India's rapid rise as San Francisco's booming source market

The San Francisco Travel Association and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) recently conducted a joint Sales Mission to showcase San Francisco's potential as the key gateway to the U.S. West Coast. Kevin Bumen, SFO's Chief Financial Commercial Officer, and Hubertus Funke, the Executive Vice President and Chief Tourism Officer at San Francisco Travel, highlighted their focus on the burgeoning Indian market.

- Prativa Vaidya Bhalla

India ranks as San Francisco's third-largest international visitor market, with 158,000 arrivals. With an expected 34 per cent growth and a remarkable 63 per cent increase in spending, India stands out as one of the most rapidly expanding source markets. The travel sector in Asia is experiencing a distinct phase of recovery, and while Japan and Taiwan exhibit robust rebounds, India outperforms all markets in this recovery. Indian visitors often have extended stays and higher expenditures, making them a valuable market segment. Business travellers are incorporating leisure activities into their trips, a trend commonly referred to as 'Bleisure", adding to the length of stay.

In 2019, San Francisco received a notable influx of 210,000 visitors from India, contributing significantly to the local economy with a spending of $497 million. Projections indicate that by the end of 2023, India is poised to reclaim its position as the first overseas market to reach this level with an expected 211,000 visitors. Despite its relative newness, India's performance in the market sets it apart from well-established European and Asian markets, showcasing its exceptional potential.