Brand USA Week in Bengaluru Elevates U.S.-India Tourism Ties with Launch of ‘America is Beautiful’ Campaign

Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization for the United States, recently hosted its flagship event—Brand USA Week— in Bengaluru from January 19 to 22, 2026. This event marked a major milestone in strengthening the tourism relationship between India and the U.S. Through an engaging mix of networking, knowledge sharing, and product showcases, the week highlighted the immense potential of the Indian outbound travel market.

Celebrating U.S.-India Tourism Partnership

Held in Bengaluru, the new home of a U.S. consulate, Brand USA Week provided a platform for key American travel industry players, including representatives from U.S. destinations, airlines, and hospitality brands. These stakeholders connected with Indian travel trade professionals and media, underscoring India’s role as a growing market for U.S. tourism. With improved visa processes, expanded flight routes, and rising disposable incomes, India’s travel to the U.S. is witnessing strong recovery and growth, with travel exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Focus on U.S. Destinations Beyond the Usual Hotspots

The event showcased lesser-known U.S. destinations, encouraging Indian travelers to explore more than just the traditional U.S. gateways like New York, California, and Florida. Attendees were introduced to emerging destinations, scenic byways, national parks, and unique experiences, all aligned with Brand USA’s ongoing efforts to expand awareness beyond the iconic American landmarks. The “America is Beautiful” campaign, an integral part of this engagement, encourages Indian visitors to uncover diverse American landscapes, cultures, and communities.

Growth in India’s Outbound Travel Market

India’s rising outbound tourism market is a key focus for the U.S. India has witnessed a steady increase in travelers seeking unique experiences, such as national park adventures, luxurious shopping, and music festivals. Brand USA Week brought together industry leaders to discuss new itineraries, joint marketing strategies, and product development that cater to these evolving traveler preferences. As more Indian visitors look to explore the U.S. for longer stays, business opportunities abound for both Indian tour operators and U.S. destination partners.

Brand USA Week: Building Stronger Relationships

The event facilitated targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings between U.S. destination partners and Indian tour operators, online travel agencies (OTAs), and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) planners. These one-on-one sessions helped develop new products, design customized itineraries, and boost collaborative marketing initiatives. The discussions not only focused on traditional attractions but also included niche tourism segments such as culinary experiences, music cities, and local heritage tours.

India as a Vital Market for U.S. Tourism

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, emphasized that India remains one of the most high-potential markets for U.S. tourism. He noted that the energy and sophistication of the Indian travel trade continue to impress U.S. stakeholders, and the country’s growing interest in diverse tourism experiences presents numerous opportunities. Through Brand USA Week, the organization reinforced its commitment to fostering deeper partnerships, expanding connectivity, and inspiring more Indian travelers to visit the U.S.

Tourism Diplomacy Between the U.S. and India

Beyond business, Brand USA Week in Bengaluru symbolized the broader tourism diplomacy between India and the United States. As bilateral relations between the two nations strengthen in areas such as trade, technology, and education, tourism plays an essential role in fostering mutual understanding. Initiatives like Brand USA Week contribute significantly to this process, providing a unique space for cross-cultural exchange and exploration.

Addressing Visa Challenges and Future Prospects

While the demand for U.S. travel continues to surge, Indian travelers still face long waiting times for B1/B2 visa appointments. However, recent improvements in the visa process have provided some relief. Despite these challenges, the future of U.S.-India travel remains bright. As airlines expand their routes and U.S. destinations offer a broader array of experiences, the Indian market is expected to remain a key driver of international tourism to the U.S.

Conclusion: A Strong Future for U.S.-India Tourism

Brand USA Week in Bengaluru was a resounding success, setting the stage for deeper engagement between U.S. destinations and the Indian travel trade. The event not only highlighted emerging travel opportunities but also reinforced the shared commitment to building a vibrant tourism relationship. As both countries continue to strengthen their partnership, the outlook for U.S.-India tourism remains promising. With initiatives like Brand USA Week, both nations are well-positioned to convert Indian travelers’ aspirations into actual visits, ensuring the U.S. remains a top destination for Indian tourists.

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Bangladesh Rolls Out Visa-On-Arrival for North Korean Nationals, Easing Access for Restricted Passport Holders: New Update

In a significant shift from its previous strict visa policies, Bangladesh has recently rolled out a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea. This change means that North Korean nationals now have the opportunity to obtain a visa upon arrival at specific entry points in Bangladesh, a country that has historically enforced rigid visa requirements. This development holds both diplomatic and practical importance, particularly considering the global travel restrictions faced by North Korean citizens.

What Does the Visa-on-Arrival Policy Entail?

Under this new policy, North Korean passport holders can now enter Bangladesh without the need for a pre-arranged visa from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate. Instead, they can receive their visa directly at Bangladesh’s designated entry points. While this is not a complete visa-free entry, it is a significant departure from the traditional process, which required DPRK citizens to secure a visa in advance.

• Visa-on-arrival is granted upon arrival at the airport or border crossing, and North Korean nationals can proceed without the usual wait for consular processing.
• The new policy represents a relaxed stance for North Korean citizens, who generally face severe travel restrictions globally.
• The official Bangladesh Online Visa Portal continues to display standard visa protocols, but updated data confirms the entry process has been eased for North Korean citizens.

Why This Policy Change is Significant

The North Korean passport is one of the least powerful worldwide, offering its holders access to very few countries without a visa. According to several global passport mobility rankings, North Korean citizens can visit only a handful of countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. Countries like South Korea, the United States, and many European nations continue to impose stringent visa rules on North Korean nationals due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions associated with North Korea’s international relations.

The shift to visa-on-arrival is not only a practical concession by Bangladesh but also an indication of potential diplomatic recalibration. Many countries that maintain diplomatic ties with North Korea typically adhere to stricter visa controls. By contrast, Bangladesh has moved to ease the entry process, making it easier for North Korean nationals to visit, though full visa-free access is not granted.

Diplomatic Context of Bangladesh and North Korea

Bangladesh and North Korea have had a history of diplomatic relations that have fluctuated over the years. The two countries maintained diplomatic ties for decades, and North Korea operated an embassy in Dhaka until the closure of the embassy in late 2023. Despite the closure of the embassy, diplomatic channels remained open, reflecting the balancing act Bangladesh faces in its foreign policy approach to countries like North Korea.

The recent visa-on-arrival development is likely influenced by geopolitical considerations as well as practical needs. As Bangladesh seeks to foster positive international relations with various nations, it may be looking to position itself as a country capable of engaging diplomatically across ideological divides.

A Shift in Global Travel Dynamics

The travel mobility of North Korean nationals has always been extremely limited. For instance, North Koreans are often denied entry to many countries without significant bureaucratic hurdles or visa denials. Visa-free access is granted to North Koreans by only a few countries, and even fewer allow visa-on-arrival arrangements. This makes Bangladesh’s policy change a noteworthy development in the context of international travel and diplomacy.

While the global travel restrictions on North Korean passport holders are unlikely to change dramatically anytime soon, this policy by Bangladesh adds a new layer of complexity to the dynamics of visa policies. It also reflects Bangladesh’s growing engagement with countries that traditionally had limited access to global travel corridors.

Official Terms

It is important to note that while many media outlets have described this new policy as “visa-free access”, the term visa-on-arrival is more accurate. This distinction is crucial as the visa-on-arrival policy does not eliminate the need for visa processing entirely; it simply allows North Korean citizens to bypass traditional embassy requirements and obtain a visa at the port of entry.

Thus, the shift is significant but does not grant unlimited access to Bangladesh for North Korean nationals. The ease of obtaining a visa upon arrival, however, is still a noteworthy departure from the norm.

Global Mobility Impact

The global passport ranking systems highlight the limited travel freedom for North Korean citizens. According to organizations like Henley Passport Index, North Korea ranks among the lowest in terms of travel freedom. By enabling visa-on-arrival entry for North Korean passport holders, Bangladesh is contributing to a slow but steady shift in the movement of people between countries that have historically been isolated from the global travel network.

This change could have a symbolic impact, encouraging other nations to reconsider their policies toward North Korean citizens, but it also does not fundamentally alter the travel restrictions for most North Koreans who still require a visa to visit the vast majority of the world’s countries.

Conclusion: A Subtle Yet Meaningful Shift

Bangladesh’s decision to offer visa-on-arrival for North Korean nationals is a significant but measured policy shift. It reflects a diplomatic flexibility that balances Bangladesh’s regional geopolitics with practical travel needs. While this change is unlikely to drastically alter the broader travel landscape for North Koreans, it marks a progressive step for a country that has historically maintained a more closed-off travel policy for DPRK citizens.

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Thailand’s Economy Grows 2.4% in 2025 Despite Slower Export Performance, Supported by Private Consumption and Public Investment: New Update

Thailand’s economy showed a 2.4% year-on-year growth in 2025, according to official data released by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). While this marks the fifth consecutive year of growth, it reflects a slight slowdown compared to the 2.9% growth in 2024. Despite this deceleration, the country’s economy has remained resilient, buoyed by significant domestic factors.

One key area of growth is the recovery of the tourism sector, which continues to gain momentum. Thailand remains a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and as international travel rebounds, this will boost the service sector and further support overall GDP growth.Thailand’s tourism industry is making a remarkable recovery, fueling the country’s economic growth as global travel rebounds. As one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations, Thailand’s diverse offerings—from its cultural heritage and tropical landscapes to its bustling cities—are drawing international travelers once again. This resurgence is playing a key role in the revival of the service sector, which is crucial for the broader economy.

A Strong Recovery in Thailand’s Tourism

Thailand has long been a favorite for travelers worldwide, offering rich cultural experiences, stunning beaches, and a wealth of natural beauty. Following a sharp decline in visitor numbers during the global pandemic, the tourism industry is now on the path to a strong recovery. As borders reopen and international travel picks up, Thailand’s tourism sector is seeing increased footfall, with tourists returning to iconic landmarks, resorts, and cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi.

This recovery is not just a positive sign for the tourism industry itself, but also for the country’s service sector, which relies heavily on international visitors. The hospitality, food, and transportation industries are seeing a boost, leading to increased employment and economic activity. The surge in tourism is contributing significantly to Thailand’s overall GDP growth, with projections for sustained upward momentum in the coming years.

Thailand’s Role in Southeast Asia’s Tourism Landscape

Thailand remains a leading force in Southeast Asia’s tourism sector. As one of the most visited countries in the region, its role in driving both regional and global tourism is undeniable. The country’s ability to attract millions of tourists each year speaks volumes about its diverse appeal. Whether it’s the vibrant culture, luxury resorts, or adventure tourism, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.

In addition to traditional tourism, Thailand has been enhancing its appeal with sustainable travel initiatives, cultural exchanges, and new travel experiences that align with modern traveler preferences. These efforts are expected to further strengthen its position as a key destination for tourists from around the world.

Economic Impact of Thailand’s Tourism Recovery

The resurgence of Thailand’s tourism industry is not just a boon for the service sector; it also plays a vital role in the overall economic growth of the nation. Tourism contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, and with international visitors returning in full force, the service sector is experiencing substantial growth. This expansion is creating new job opportunities, boosting local businesses, and contributing to the country’s economic stability.

The government has been actively supporting the recovery by introducing policies aimed at boosting international tourism and easing travel restrictions. These measures have helped revive confidence in the sector and encouraged more visitors to explore what Thailand has to offer. The economic impact extends beyond tourism-related industries, as other sectors such as retail, real estate, and transportation are also benefiting from the increase in visitor numbers.

Challenges and Opportunities in 2026

While the outlook for Thailand’s economy remains positive, several challenges could impact growth in 2026. Slowing global exports and potential geopolitical tensions pose risks, while inflationary pressures may dampen consumer confidence. Nevertheless, Thailand’s proactive fiscal policies and efforts to support local industries are likely to help mitigate these risks.

One key area of growth is the recovery of the tourism sector, which continues to gain momentum. Thailand remains a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and as international travel rebounds, this will boost the service sector and further support overall GDP growth.

A Bright Future for Thailand’s Tourism Industry

Looking ahead, Thailand’s tourism industry is set to continue its upward trajectory. The nation’s combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and world-class hospitality makes it a compelling destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. As international travelers return, the country is positioned to benefit from long-term growth in tourism, creating more opportunities for economic development and job creation.

Thailand is also focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings to cater to a broader range of interests. From eco-tourism and wellness retreats to cultural heritage experiences and vibrant city tours, the nation is continually adapting to the evolving needs of global travelers. These efforts will ensure that Thailand remains one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia for years to come.

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