The U.S. Travel Association is hosting its fifth annual trade mission to India from September 11-15 with a record number of 32 representatives from U.S. destinations and suppliers. Meetings will take place in Mumbai and New Delhi with Indian tour operators, airline representatives and travel agents. A new component this year is a media day in New Delhi. 

“The increased participation this year is indicative of the importance of the Indian travel market to the United States,” said Malcolm Smith, vice president of business development for the U.S. Travel Association. “We are pleased to be able to facilitate these important face-to-face meetings between U.S. travel destinations and organizations and representatives from the Indian travel market. We look forward to building the relationship between our two countries.” 

The growth in Indian travel to the U.S. is one reason the U.S. Travel Association released a plan in May to reform the visa system. The goal of the plan is to increase staffing, reduce visa interview wait times and expand the Visa Waiver Program.