Philadelphia’s growing popularity among travelers from India has recently propelled the nation to become the city’s third-largest international market, writes Kuhelika Roy Choudhury for Travel Trends Today, India’s leading travel trade magazine.

With a 17 percent increase in the number of visitors from India in 2023, India has now surpassed traditional European markets, establishing itself as a crucial contributor to Philadelphia’s tourism economy.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau attributes this growth to several factors.

“Philadelphia’s educational and medical sectors attract Indian students and medical tourists, contributing to substantial traffic,” said Svetlana Yazovskikh, PHLCVB’s Vice President of Global Tourism. “Also, Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to Philadelphia’s rich history, including the city’s role in the founding of the United States, innovative arts and culture, and diverse tourist attractions. With its tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, Philadelphia has also emerged as a great shopping destination for Indian families and individuals.”

The PHLCVB was responsible for bringing more than 1.1 million international visitors to the city in 2023. These visitors spent $579 million and generated an economic impact of $956 million for Philadelphia.

“In 2024, Philadelphia is on track to achieve full recovery in the international tourism market,” said Yazovskikh. “This is ahead of the national average, where full recovery is not expected until 2025. International visitor volume is expected to reach 1.3 million, a 16 percent year-over-year increase, and direct visitor spending is projected to see a 37 percent year-over-year increase, as international visitors are choosing to stay longer and see more.”

Indian visitors are very interested in Philadelphia’s strengths as an international destination, specifically its historical sites, art and cultural attractions, diverse food scene, and higher educational institutions. The PHLCVB hosts familiarization tours for Indian media and travel operators and has received clear feedback about what resonates with Indian travelers.

“Exploring Old City and learning about American history in the actual sites where it unfolded is always a highlight for them,” said Patricia Gillett, Media Relations Manager for the PHLCVB. “And higher education is a strong priority for our visitors from India, so they consistently request and enjoy tours of our colleges, universities, and scientific facilities. They want to learn as much as they can about Philadelphia’s ‘eds and meds.’”

Read more about Philadelphia’s surge in visitors from India in Travel Trends Today.