Hospitality Sector Should Be Given Industry Status: HAI

The association suggested that this will reduce operating costs and boost reinvestment while bringing greater transparency in the sector’s functioning

With an aim to deepen its presence across in India, the Hotel Association of India (HAI), launched its West Bengal chapter. Kicking off its efforts in the state, HAI submitted a memorandum of industry demands to West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and Finance Minister, Dr. Amit Mitra, seeking industry status for the hospitality sector. The association suggested that this will help in reducing costs and boost re-investment while bringing greater transparency in the sector’s functioning.

A favourable policy decision of according industry status and allowing benefits available to units manufacturing will strengthen the Indian hospitality industry, preserve and unlock its immense potential to make a significant contribution to the State’s GDP and jobs, supporting the post-pandemic economic revival of the region.

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI said that, “The Association believes that granting industry status to the sector will enable hotels across the state to avail benefits towards electricity and water tariff at an industrial rate, lower property tax, rationalisation of taxes and license fees, simplified approval process for hotel projects and hotel operations and other benefits accorded to industries – thus helping in ushering transparency, reduce costs, and encourage reinvestment. Such small steps are crucial for revival of the sector after the disastrous impact of the pandemic and essential considering the extent of employment and income the sector generates.”

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