Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hailed the decision of the West Bengal government to grant industry status to the hospitality sector, saying it will attract investment and boost tourism. The West Bengal Cabinet had recently approved a proposal to grant industry status to the hospitality sector in a bid to promote employment and attract investment in the sector.
In a statement, CII said that this sector has the potential to draw Rs 5000 crore investment in the next few years and with a job-generating potential of nearly two lakhs. CII through its various forums and interactions had requested the West Bengal government to recognise the hospitality industry as an independent one. “This move emphatically distinguishes the hospitality sector’s role as a vital industry contributing to the state’s economy,” the statement said.
K Mohanchandran, chairman, CII Eastern Region tourism subcommittee, and senior vice president (East & Northeast), Indian Hotels Company Ltd, said, “This (decision) will benefit the industry by way of more competitive industrial rates for power, water and property tax apart from providing better FAR (floor-area-ratio).
“It will attract investments, and boost tourism, thereby stimulating economic activities and fostering the state’s development.”
