Emphasising the growing role of adventure tourism in India’s tourism landscape, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that the sector has significant potential to create livelihoods across the country.
Addressing industry stakeholders at the ATOAI Convention in Srinagar, Billa said, “Adventure tourism generates a high level of employment.” He highlighted that the benefits of adventure tourism are not limited to major cities but extend to remote and lesser-developed regions, helping local communities become direct participants in tourism growth.
Referring to the choice of Srinagar as the host city for the convention, Billa noted that holding a national-level industry event in the region itself carries an important message and reflects confidence in the destination.
He also spoke about the changing profile of travellers, observing that tourists today are increasingly looking beyond traditional sightseeing. According to him, activity-based and experience-driven travel is gaining momentum, with adventure tourism emerging as a key segment addressing this shift in demand.
Billa’s remarks underlined the government’s focus on promoting adventure tourism as a means of sustainable development, employment generation, and inclusive growth within the tourism sector.
