Mumbai, India 10 October 2023: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Francisco Travel Association (SFTA) have concluded a successful two-day visit to Mumbai, India, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the thriving travel and tourism connections between India and the United States. A primary focus of this visit was to underscore India’s significance as one of the fastest-growing overseas visitor markets for San Francisco. The delegates are dedicated to creating immersive travel experiences and strengthening cultural ties for Indian tourists visiting San Francisco.
During their stay in Mumbai from October 9th to 10th, the delegates held meetings with key stakeholders. These interactions involved exploring avenues for fostering mutual understanding, cooperation and potential collaborations in the future.
India, one of the fastest-growing overseas visitor markets for San Francisco, has emerged as a key focus area for SFO and SFTA:
- In 2022, India ranked among San Francisco’s top five visitor markets, with 150,000 visitors welcomed
- Visitor volume from India is set to grow by 34% in 2023, a testament to the strong ties between the two regions
The esteemed delegation, led by Kevin Bumen, Chief Financial & Commercial Officer at San Francisco International Airport, and Hubertus Funke, Executive Vice President & Chief Tourism Officer of San Francisco Travel Association, engaged in productive discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at bolstering the travel relationship between the two nations.
Kevin Bumen, Chief Financial & Commercial Officer at SFO, stated, “India holds immense potential for us. San Francisco International Airport is proud to be the premier international gateway to the West Coast, ensuring seamless travel experiences for Indian travelers. Our aim is to further strengthen this connection, making SFO the preferred choice for travelers from India.”
San Francisco, known as a hub of pioneering ideas, invites the world to witness the future today. From revolutionizing the food industry with sustainable, planet-friendly innovations to leading the autonomous vehicle revolution, the City stands as a testament to innovation. Seamless travel experiences commence at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), connecting travelers to this epicenter of progress. With cutting-edge AI technology and frictionless fan engagements at the core of its cultural fabric, San Francisco is not just a city; it’s a global epicenter of innovation. Simultaneously, the City’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, showcased through prestigious LEED Platinum certifications and eco-conscious public transport, solidifies its status as a world leader in environmental responsibility.
The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. The city is one of the top tourism and meetings destinations in the U.S. and received 21.9 million visitors in 2022. Total tourism spending in 2022 exceeded $7.7 billion. The tourism industry is the largest generator of outside revenue into San Francisco’s economy and supports over 53,000 jobs.
Hubertus Funke, Executive Vice President & Chief Tourism Officer of SFTA, expressed, “The cultural richness and economic vibrancy of India resonate deeply with San Francisco’s spirit. We are committed to fostering stronger ties and enhancing mutual understanding between our two regions. India’s exponential growth as a visitor market fuels our enthusiasm to create compelling travel experiences for Indian tourists in San Francisco.”
India’s significance is underscored by SFO’s remarkable achievements, including being the 14th ranked airport in the U.S., boasting the 3rd position in carrier diversity with 50 carriers, and the 2nd position in the U.S. with nonstop flights to India. SFO’s strategic investments in routes and Air India’s expanded non-stop services to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are testament to the Airport’s commitment to the Indian market. SFTA’s initiatives, coupled with SFO’s world-class facilities, aim to attract even more Indian travelers, further bolstering the ties between the two nations.
Read all our Aviation stories here.
Main image credit: Wikimedia Commons