Tourism Ministers from different states on Monday made a strong pitch for reduction, simplification and rationalisation of various taxes and levies, including GST, in the tourism and travel industry to attract tourists and cushion stiff global competition.
The conclave, in a unanimous resolution, expressed concern over the GST Council of India imposing 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax on hotel room tariff over Rs 7,500 and 18 per cent tax on rooms with tariffs between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500.
This tax rate was high compared with other countries, it stated.
The resolution, moved by Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi said reduction in GST in hotel rooms was essential to attract more tourists