Hospitality industry welcomes GST reforms

Hospitality Professionals Welcome Indian Government’s Reform on GST Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Hospitality professionals across India have welcomed the Indian Government’s new GST revenue reforms, viewing the move as a progressive step that will benefit both businesses and customers. The reforms are expected to simplify taxation, create a more transparent system, and improve compliance across the sector.

Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts says

"The GST overhaul marks a turning point for India's hospitality sector. By reducing GST on hotel stays under ₹7,500 to 5%, the government has effectively democratised travel. This will boost domestic tourism, encourage corporate travel to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and improve occupancy for mid-scale hotels, which form the backbone of our industry. However, luxury hotels remain at 18%, which keeps India aligned with global practices, where premium stays are taxed at a higher rate. The challenge will be balancing this benefit with the loss of input tax credit (ITC), which could compress margins for some operators. Overall, the move signals a clear policy direction, making travel more affordable and inclusive, while still protecting the exclusivity of luxury experiences."

Mr. Sumit Mitruka, CEO and founder, Summit Hotels & Resorts shares that, "The reforms announced at the 56th GST Council are far more than a matter of taxation; they represent a structural reset in the way India approaches housing, travel, and consumption. By placing mid-scale hotel accommodation within the 5% bracket, the government has significantly broadened affordability in domestic tourism, ensuring that demand in emerging destinations can flourish. At the same time, the simplification of GST for residential real estate, through reduced construction costs and clearer slab structures, is poised to stimulate housing supply and bolster confidence, particularly across tier-II and tier-III cities.

Hospitality and real estate are inextricably linked: affordable housing underpins urban growth, whilst accessible travel fuels mobility and commerce. A streamlined GST regime allows these sectors to reinforce one another, creating a powerful multiplier effect on employment, consumption, and investment. The task before industry leaders now is to harness these efficiencies and translate them into greater value not only for guests and homeowners, but for the wider economy."

Rasmi Ranjan, Director of Operations, Monday Hotels shares that, "This is a fantastic step. It's a win-win situation where guests get more value for their money, and we can attract a larger number of travelers. The lower GST will make a significant difference for people planning trips, especially in the budget and mid-market segments. At Monday Hotels, we're excited about this move as it allows us to offer even more affordable and memorable experiences to our guests, reinforcing our commitment to delivering value without compromising on comfort and service."

Mr. Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS says “The government’s decision to revise GST into a simplified two-slab structure is a very welcome move for the hospitality industry. By reducing tariffs up to ₹7,500 to 5%, the reform eliminates the earlier complexity of multiple brackets and creates a transparent and guest-friendly ecosystem. The current reduction in GST for hotels and flights will also make premium hospitality more accessible to a larger section of society, strengthening India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. We truly appreciate the structured clarity brought in by the government through this reform.

From a tourism standpoint, India has fantastic offerings, and this step will not only boost domestic and inbound travel but also unlock the sector’s wider economic potential. Tourism already contributes nearly 5% to India’s GDP, and with continued reforms and the rise of new formats, it has the potential to cross 6% in the coming years. The industry also holds immense potential for large-scale job creation and revenue generation. Importantly, new segments like villas, apartments and suites are emerging as powerful drivers of this growth, creating fresh revenue pools and employment opportunities deep inside India, beyond the traditional hotel hubs.

At ELIVAAS, our focus on villas, apartments and suites is aligned with this evolving demand, catering to travellers who value privacy, comfort, and curated experiences. With a simplified GST framework, the guest journey becomes smoother, encouraging greater adoption of such premium yet accessible travel formats.”

The initiative reflects the government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business while supporting industries that significantly contribute to employment and economic growth, which is also favourable for the hospitality industry.

Hashmato Joins Romeo Bravo Software to Accelerate Global Expansion and Innovation in Hospitality Technology

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 26, 2025

Hashmato, a leading provider of end-to-end restaurant and retail automation software, today announced it has been acquired by Romeo Bravo Software (RBS), a global provider of operator-first hospitality technology based in St. Louis, Missouri. This strategic partnership will accelerate Hashmato's innovation and expand its reach in the global hospitality market.

Romeo Bravo Software is a global hospitality technology company serving over 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS provides software solutions for ranches, lodges, hotels, and restaurants, with products including Yellowstone for specialty lodging operations and WinCloud for hotel management.

Glenn Turner, CEO of Romeo Bravo Software, commented: " Hashmato brings world-class restaurant technology that perfectly complements our hospitality platform. Together, we’re creating the most comprehensive operator-first suite in the industry, unifying lodging, dining, and specialty operations"

The acquisition positions Hashmato to leverage Romeo Bravo Software's extensive hospitality expertise and global network spanning more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS's operator-first approach aligns perfectly with Hashmato's commitment to simplifying operations for foodservice businesses of all sizes.

"Joining Romeo Bravo Software represents an exciting new chapter for Hashmato and our customers," said Hasan Moulana, CEO of Hashmato. "Our mission has always been to equip operators with intuitive, reliable tools that help them thrive. With RBS's global scale and resources, we're excited to deliver stronger support, new features, and accelerated innovation while maintaining the confidence that our customers' long-term success remains at the heart of everything we do."

The partnership also strengthens Hashmato's ability to serve its diverse customer base, which includes leading international restaurant brands as well as institutional clients in the education and healthcare sectors. Customers can expect continued reliability and innovation in their existing solutions, plus access to new integrated capabilities as the companies work together.

About Hashmato

Hashmato (formerly Dineplan) is a global provider of software solutions for restaurants, franchises, institutions, and enterprises. Headquartered in Singapore, the company's platform covers POS, online and kiosk ordering, waiter apps, kitchen display systems, inventory, analytics, and more, serving thousands of businesses worldwide. Hashmato is trusted by leading international brands, as well as schools and hospitals, to streamline foodservice operations and elevate customer experiences.

About Romeo Bravo Software

Romeo Bravo Software builds operator-first technology for the global hospitality industry. Trusted by more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries, RBS simplifies operations for ranches, lodges, outfitters, hotels, and restaurants. Its portfolio includes Yellowstone, an all-in-one system for specialty lodging and adventure operations, and WinCloud, a modern cloud-based hotel management solution. With a growing global team and partner network, RBS is committed to helping operators work smarter, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and grow profitably.

The combined company is positioned to lead the next era of hospitality technology. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

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Intrepid Travel Champions Conscious Tourism on World Tourism Day

By Hariharan U

Published on September 26, 2025

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Intrepid Travel has reiterated its commitment to reshaping the way people travel by making responsibility the foundation of tourism. The company is working closely with local partners in India and worldwide to ensure that travel creates meaningful impact for both travellers and host communities.

Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager – India, Intrepid Travel, emphasized the brand’s vision, “Conscious travel is no longer a choice, it's a responsibility. At Intrepid, we believe tourism should uplift communities, protect cultures, and preserve our planet. In India and across the globe, we're working hand-in-hand with local partners to create travel experiences that are not only enriching for travellers but meaningful for the people and places they visit. From reducing single-use plastics to planting a tree for every trip under our One Trip One Tree (1T1T) initiative, we're committed to making a tangible impact. World Tourism Day is a powerful reminder that transformation in tourism begins with purpose and we're proud to be part of that change.”

Through initiatives like One Trip One Tree (1T1T), which ensures a tree is planted for every journey, Intrepid Travel is creating real, measurable outcomes. The company has also taken steps to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics and continues to build sustainable practices into its operations worldwide.

With India’s adventure travel sector gaining momentum, Intrepid’s focus on purpose-driven tourism positions it as a leader in shaping a more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and culturally respectful travel industry.