Brand USA, the tourism marketing entity responsible for promoting the United States, has organized its first-ever travel mission from Sept. 9-14 in India. The mission, which sold out within 30 days of being offered to U.S. travel organizations, will include 50 delegates representing 35 U.S. destinations and companies who will visit New Delhi and Mumbai.

Previously, this mission was organized by the U.S. Travel Association, making this the sixth travel trade mission from the United States to promote tourism in the Indian market. The agenda for U.S. delegates is to meet Indian travel agents, airline representative, tour operators, and the travel trade media. Brand USA’s objective in-market is to rekindle the holidaymakers’ love affair with America – reclaiming the USA’s share of the market and positioning the country as a diverse destination with nearly limitless opportunities and experiences.

 “Brand USA is a unique marketing initiative which encourages international travelers to experience the infinite experiences that our country has to offer,” said Caroline Beteta, interim CEO and chair-elect of Brand USA. “With President Obama recognizing tourism as an important sector of the U.S. economy, we are hopeful of maximizing our nation’s potential as a leading tourist destination for Indian travelers.”

Paul Cerula, chief business development officer for Brand USA, said India is one of the key markets for the U.S. with the number of Indians traveling to the this country growing from 309,000 in 2004 to 660,000 in 2012, up 115 percent over that period. “We are hopeful of generating nearly 1.3 million arrivals from India in 2016 and by bringing this largest ever delegation of U.S. travel representatives, shows our commitment towards achieving this goal,” he said.

Jay Gray, vice president-global partnership development for Brand USA, will lead the sales mission delegation. “This is the sixth and largest mission to India and we thank our travel industry partners for their overwhelming support,” he said. “India is an important market for the USA and we plan to open a Brand USA office in the next several months.”

Joining the delegation will be representatives from Akquasun Incredible Vacations LLC, Best Western International, Blue & Gold Fleet, Caesars Entertainment, Choice Hotels International, Cirque du Soleil, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Gray Line NY, Hornblower Cruises & Events, IHG JNB Group LLC, Las Vegas Group LLC, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Macy's, NYC & Company, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Le Parker Meridien New York, Madame Tussauds New York, Marriott International, Empire State Building Observatory, New York Water Taxi, Papillon Group, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pier39, Premium Outlets, San Francisco Travel Association, Sundance Helicopters, Tour America Inc., Tours Limited LLC, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Vision Holidays, Visit California , Visit Florida and Visit Orlando.