In order to drive further Indian travelllers to India, Visit California recently organized a CEOs Mission in Mumbai and Delhi. The objective of the Mission was to study the potential of the Indian outbound market as well as to understand the requirements of Indian travelllers. Led by Visit California President &CEO, the Mission comprised of as many as 11 CEOs from Visit West Hollywood, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Visit Santa Barbara, San Diego Tourism Authority, Ridgemont Hospitality, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, CityPASS, Visit Napa Valley and Greater Palm Springs CVB.
“We are very excited for the opportunity that the India market presents for travel to California and see this mission as an important step in introducing California to Indian travelers,” said Beteta adding that this visit will provide critical learnings on how we can best prepare our state to welcome Indian visitors as the market continues to grow.”
According to release issued by Visit California India Office, California commands 27.5 per cent of the market share from the Indian outbound travel market to the U.S., accounting for 319,000 visitors who spent $706 million in 2016 in the Golden State. Forecasts show visitation growing by 41 percent in the next five years, reaching 449,000 visitors and more than $1 billion in spending by 2021 – growth on par with that of China over the last few years.
Visit California opened an India office in 2010 and has invested more than $3 million in the years since, focusing on educational travel trade and public relations activities. In the 2017/2018 fiscal year, Visit California increased its $500,000 investment to $800,000, with new tactics to reach the consumer directly through social media and a Brand USA media co-op.
