The Centre has advised the State governments and Union Territory administrations to grant 'industry' status to Tourism. This would help in pushing hospitality projects in the country. In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy said that industry status to the tourism sector would make it more competitive. It would also help reduce the cost of hospitality projects which are capital intensive and also encourage further investment.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr. Reddy said, ten States and one Union Territory have accorded 'industry' status to the Tourism sector, so far. They are Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Goa, Karnataka, Uttrakhand, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura.</span><br />