Indian tourism professionals: New Goods and Services Tax needs to be simplified
Rajendera Kumar, industry veteran, Director, The Ambassador Vivanta by Taj, New Delhi, has welcomed the recent introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but regretted that the hospitality industry has not been treated fairly.
A former president of the FHRAI (Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India), Kumar says that the tourism industry will suffer because of the high and differential rate for various segments. He quoted the example of Singapore, where seven percent tax is applicable across the board.
Kumar feels that the restaurants in the hotels should have the same GST as the stand alone restaurants, which is five percent. At present, they have to pay higher rate.
Many industry players are finding the working of the GST difficult and would like it to be simplified.
Bhim Singh, managing director, Rajasthan Tours, based in Jaipur, says that he has left the GST to the accountants, as he is unable to understand the intricacies.