In a major bureaucratic reshuffle announced on Friday, the Government of India has appointed Suman Billa as the Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Tourism. This was part of a broader administrative overhaul involving several Additional Secretary-level postings, as per a Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) circular. Billa, a 1996-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the same ministry.
Suman Billa brings a strong track record in tourism policy and international collaboration. He previously served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism from 2014 to 2019. Post this tenure, he represented India at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in Madrid, where he worked as Director of Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Development, expanding his expertise on a global stage.
After returning from the UNWTO, Billa took on key leadership roles in Kerala, serving as Principal Secretary for Industries and NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs). His return to the central government in February 2024 as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism marked a significant comeback after nearly five years.
The circular also highlighted that 25 officers were appointed to Additional Secretary positions, with 15 others being granted in-situ promotions. Billa’s appointment as DG further reinforces the government’s focus on strengthening tourism leadership with seasoned professionals experienced in both national and international spheres.
