‘It allows local youth to lead their lives without migrating in search of jobs’
Srinagar, Dec 17: Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa on Wednesday said adventures are emerging as vital pillar of India’s tourism economy.
Speaking at the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at SKICC here, Billa, according to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “The adventure tourism is empowering border and remote regions.”
Billa said holding the event in Kashmir was “a strong statement of confidence and resilience in the destination” after challenging years for the sector.
“It is propitious that we are meeting here in Srinagar. This convention is a reflection of the confidence in the destination, the resilience of its people, and the renewal we are witnessing,” he said.
Highlighting the socio-economic significance of adventure tourism, Billa said it generates “high levels of employment, particularly for our youth,” and crucially, creates jobs in remote and border regions that otherwise remain outside mainstream development.
“Adventure tourism sustains border economies and allows local youth to lead their lives where they reside, without having to migrate in search of jobs,” he said.
Billa added that the sector also helps disperse visitor flows away from overcrowded tourist hubs, reducing environmental pressure while expanding economic opportunities.
Calling safety the most important, non-negotiable pillar of adventure tourism, Billa said, “Safety builds trust and trust is the foundation of our competitiveness.”
He stressed that all operators must strictly follow standard operating procedures, ensure certified guides, use approved equipment and adopt continuous learning from incidents and near-misses.
He also called for the establishment of destination management systems where government, operators and service providers coordinate to manage carrying capacity, seasonality and emergency response planning effectively.
Outlining his vision, Billa proposed developing ‘structured Himalayan trekking trails’ with graded difficulty levels, designated campsites, and proper exit points.
“This doesn’t require large funds but better planning and coordination,” he said, stressing that custodianship of such trails must rest with local communities to ensure long-term sustainability.
He further suggested expanding into soft adventure tourism, such as light treks, cycling and moderate outdoor activities to attract larger markets and reduce dependence on seasonal, high-end segments.
“Not everyone wants to scale Everest. Many want to experience nature through accessible adventure that’s where the commercial opportunity lies,” he said.
Billa also called for creating a national registry of trained adventure professionals to make talent easily accessible to operators across the country and for introducing structured certification programs that allow guides to work across states.
He also urged governments to streamline approvals. “We need clear-cut rules and a framework-based system where permissions within identified adventure zones are automatic, as long as conditions are met,” he said.
Billa proposed setting up predictable rescue protocols, local response teams and working closely with the insurance industry to ensure full coverage for both domestic and international adventurers.
Calling for stronger government–industry partnerships, Billa said both must share responsibility, the government to provide infrastructure and frameworks and the industry to ensure professionalism and self-regulation.
“All adventure tourism must be rooted in sustainability. Communities must be seen as partners, not bystanders. Waste management, net-zero practices and responsible tourism should define the way forward,” he said.
Billa also said the Indian model of adventure tourism must rest on three essential pillars, ‘safety, sustainability and resilience’. “Meeting here in Srinagar, under the leadership of our Honourable Chief Minister, sends a strong national and international message that tourism in India is alive, thriving and growing stronger despite challenges. If tourism has to grow, adventure tourism must be one of its most vital pillars,” he said. (KNO)
