State tourism ministers seek cut in GST on hotel rooms to boost sector

Resolution passed at conclave of ministers also calls for lower airfares, rationalisation of inter-state tourist vehicle taxes

Tourism Minsters from different states today urged to reduced GST for hotel rooms. They also asked for simplification and rationalisation of various taxes and levies to attract tourists and take on global competition.  

"The Tourism Ministers’ conclave 2019 at Kovalam, Kerala notes with concern that the GST Council of India has imposed 28 per cent GST 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 is high compared with other countries," said a resolution unanimously adopted by the conclave.

The resolution, moved by Karnataka Tourism Minister