FHRAI Calls for Simplified GST Structure to Boost Hospitality Growth

Urgent GST Reforms Recommended for Hospitality Industry

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has put forward important recommendations to India’s Finance Ministry aimed at reforming the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework for hospitality businesses. This includes calls to regularise past GST dues, restore Input Tax Credit (ITC) benefits, and separate GST on Food & Beverage (F&B) services from hotel room tariffs for clarity and fairness.

Regularising Past GST Disputes with Section 11A

Many hotels are grappling with unresolved GST demand notices arising from ambiguities in tax interpretations rather than deliberate defaults. These conflicts often revolve around the difference between a hotel’s “declared tariff” and the actual “transaction value” or the identification of “specified premises.” Additionally, discrepancies have occurred due to discrepancies in tariffs shown by online travel platforms compared to actual payments collected under GST. FHRAI urges invoking Section 11A of the Central GST Act, 2017, to offer a resolution by regularising legacy GST disputes “as-is,” thereby reducing the litigation burden and uncertainty.

Restoring Input Tax Credit for Affordable Hotels

The GST council’s revision introduced a 5% GST slab without Input Tax Credit for hotel rooms priced below INR 7,500, which has significantly increased operational costs for mid-segment hotels. FHRAI warns that stripping ITC at this level undermines seamless credit flow and impacts profitability. To alleviate this, the association recommends reinstating ITC on these rooms, recognizing hotel rooms as eligible “plant and machinery” for credit, and adjusting the pricing threshold to INR 12,500 to account for inflationary pressures since 2017.

Decoupling Food & Beverage GST from Room Tariffs

Currently, GST rates on restaurants within hotels are linked to the room tariff slab— that is, 18% with ITC benefits for hotels charging above INR 7,500 and only 5% without ITC below that. This linkage creates pricing distortions and compliance complexities. FHRAI has proposed that hotel-based restaurants independently choose their GST rate between 18% with ITC or 5% without ITC, irrespective of the room tariff. Research by FHRAI’s Centre of Excellence for Research in Tourism & Hospitality suggests that this decoupling could boost annual GST collections by more than INR 4,000 crore, while enabling more transparent and flexible pricing.

Impact on Hospitality and Tourism Sectors

These proposed reforms aim to create a fairer, less contentious GST system that supports sustainable growth in the hospitality industry. By clarifying tax liabilities and restoring credit mechanisms, hotels can better manage costs and invest in quality services, which will enhance the overall travel experience. A simplified tax structure will encourage more competitive pricing and operational transparency, critical factors in attracting tourists and business travelers alike.

Hospitality Sector’s Role in Economic Growth

India’s hospitality industry serves as a backbone of its tourism economy, supporting millions of jobs and facilitating numerous tourism-related activities from accommodation to dining and entertainment. Given this sector’s direct connection to tourism infrastructure and visitor satisfaction, ensuring it remains financially viable is essential to maintain and boost India’s global appeal as a travel destination.

Table: Key FHRAI GST Reform Proposals

Historical Background of Taxation in Hospitality

The hospitality industry has long dealt with the challenges of taxation policies that impact pricing, service delivery, and compliance complexity. Over the decades, tax regimes have evolved from multiple indirect taxes to a unified GST introduced in 2017, aimed at simplifying the tax framework across India. However, inconsistencies and unclear tax slabs have persisted, especially in combining hospitality services like accommodation and F&B under linked tax rates. This has led to frequent disputes and uncertainty within the sector.

Historically, taxation in tourism and hospitality has been a delicate balance between generating revenue for governments and promoting growth in a sector critical to economic development. Growing accommodation types—from luxury hotels to budget lodges—necessitate adaptable tax policies that reflect the diversity of offerings and customer segments.

Looking Ahead: The Significance of GST Reform in Hospitality

As India aims to position itself as a premier global tourism hotspot, streamlining GST laws can play a pivotal role in attracting international visitors by lowering operational costs and encouraging investments in quality infrastructure. Clear, fair taxation fosters investor confidence and supports sustainable tourism development, which is crucial for coastal and lakeside destinations popular for yachting and sailing activities.

Regions that serve as hubs for marine tourism can particularly benefit if hotels and related F&B services have tax regimes that encourage affordable luxury and accessibility. This can lead to growth in yacht charters, beachside activities, and marine hospitality ventures.

Conclusion: Aligning Taxation with Tourism Growth

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India’s proposals for GST reforms highlight key areas for policy intervention to stabilize and boost the hospitality sector’s growth. Regularising past tax disputes, restoring ITC on hotel rooms, and offering flexibility in GST rates for hotel restaurants can all contribute to a more transparent and business-friendly environment.

In the larger scope of tourism, including destinations with vibrant boating and sailing communities, these reforms have the potential to enhance the experiences of visitors and operators alike by ensuring that accommodation and dining options remain competitively priced and compliant.

For travelers seeking to explore scenic coastal and inland waters with seamless hospitality options, services like GetBoat.com offer a comprehensive marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts. This platform caters to diverse budgets and preferences, perfectly complementing improved tourism infrastructure emerging from such tax reforms. By fostering a healthy business climate, the hospitality and marine tourism sectors can sail towards a brighter, more prosperous future.