Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has announced the appointment of Suman Billa (IAS: 1996, Kerala cadre) as the new Director General, Tourism, while continuing in his current capacity as Additional Secretary
The announcement comes as part of a significant bureaucratic realignment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Suman Billa, who is no stranger to the Ministry, earlier served as Joint Secretary between 2014 and 2019. His tenure was marked by several high-impact tourism campaigns and policy initiatives that helped reposition India on the global travel map.
His return to the Ministry is seen as a strategic move to provide experienced leadership as the sector navigates a post-pandemic revival and anticipates a change in central leadership following the upcoming general elections. In his new role, he will oversee a wide spectrum of responsibilities, including international partnerships, Swadesh Darshan schemes, niche tourism segments, event promotion, IT integration, overseas branding, and hospitality infrastructure.
Suman Billa’s international experience includes a prominent role at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), where he led the Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Development division, promoting sustainable tourism practices globally. Before rejoining the central ministry, he served as Principal Secretary – Industries and NORKA in the Kerala government.
An alumnus of Madras Christian College and Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, Suman Billa is also a British Chevening Gurukula Scholar at the London School of Economics. Over the years, he has held a range of administrative positions at both state and central levels, including stints as Sub Collector, Director of Civil Supplies, District Collector, and Director of Kerala Tourism. At the Centre, he has served as Private Secretary to the Ministers of State for External Affairs and Defence.
While in charge of Kerala Tourism, he championed innovative projects such as monsoon tourism, the internationally acclaimed Spice Route initiative, and the award-winning Responsible Tourism (RT) programme, which earned global accolades, including the UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance.
Suman Billa’s appointment comes at a time when India’s tourism industry is poised for accelerated growth, with projected revenues expected to touch USD 23.72 billion by 2024, driven by strong FDI inflows and renewed global interest in Indian destinations.
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