The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has praised the Union Tourism Minister’s statement about granting industry status to the tourism sector, which was presented to the upper house of parliament. Granting industry status to tourism would make it more competitive, reduce costs of hospitality projects and encourage further investment. It could lead to more sub-sectors of tourism having access to benefits such as lower power tariffs and taxes at industrial rates instead of commercial rates. The HAI has also noted that the hospitality and tourism sector is one of the largest contributors to employment and GDP globally, and can help drive inclusive growth across the country.