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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on September 4, 2025
The Indian government has announced a significant reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, introducing two primary slabs of 5% and 18%. The decision was taken at the 56th GST Council meeting and will take effect from 22 September 2025, coinciding with the beginning of Navaratri.
Under the revised system, essential food items such as bread and paneer will be exempt from GST, while agricultural and food products will attract only 5%. This move is expected to reduce costs for consumers and the food service industry alike. Sin goods, including gutka, tobacco products, and carbonated drinks, will face a higher rate of 40% GST.
For the hospitality industry, the changes bring notable relief. GST taxation on rooms in hotels are also comes under the new GST slabs.
Hotel rooms with tariffs of less than or equal to Rs 7500 per day will be taxed at 5% without input tax credit (ITC) from 12% with inputs tax credit (ITC), as per recommendations made by the 56th GST Council. This move will enhance both the hospitality and tourism industry, with hotel stays now becoming more affordable.
This system continues to simplify hotel accommodation taxation, while the reduction of GST on essential goods and appliances used in hotels, such as air conditioners and televisions, paves the way for operational cost savings. Additionally, milk products and butter now fall under 0% from 5%, that means no tax for these products, creating the potential for reduced prices of dairy-based dishes and desserts like ice creams and pastries in hotel restaurants.
Mr. Varadharajan, Chartered Accountant and Hotel Tax Consultant, welcomed the move, stating that the revised GST will help bring down costs for both hotel operators and guests, making hospitality more accessible.
The GST 2.0 reform signals the government’s intent to balance affordability with economic growth, offering a direct benefit to hotels, restaurants, and consumers. With its timing aligned with the festive season, the initiative is expected to boost travel, dining, and overall demand in the hospitality sector.
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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.
By Hariharan U
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.
By Manu Vardhan kannan
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has announced a pioneering initiative in the country’s foreign exchange sector by partnering with Blinkit, a quick commerce company, to deliver forex cards at customers’ doorsteps in minutes.
This collaboration introduces forex retail as a dedicated service on Blinkit, beginning with Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with phased expansion planned across key source markets. The initiative covers Thomas Cook’s Borderless Travel Card for leisure travellers and Study Buddy for students, making the company the first forex service provider in India to leverage Blinkit’s rapid last-mile delivery model.
The move comes in response to evolving consumer behaviour, where speed, convenience, and digital-first solutions are now expected even in traditionally complex categories like foreign exchange. Quick commerce has seen exponential growth in India, surging from $300 million in 2022 to $7.1 billion in FY25, and is projected to reach $35 billion by 2030.
Through this partnership, customers can place an order on Blinkit and receive a blank forex card within minutes. Post-delivery, Thomas Cook India’s forex team manages the Video-KYC, card loading, and statutory compliances, enabling customers to be fully travel-ready within an hour. Each card is supported with activation instructions, a dedicated helpline, and access to a secure portal, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.
Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President - Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “By offering our blank forex cards via Blinkit, we are enhancing convenience and redefining travel readiness, enabling customers to be fully equipped within minutes at their doorstep. This game-changing solution is ideal for last-minute forex needs and aligns with our India Ka Forex Specialist positioning.”
Anish Shrivastava, Senior Vice President - Revenue, Blinkit, added, “Together with Thomas Cook India, we’re transforming what was once a time-consuming task into a simple and seamless experience for travellers, right at their doorstep.”
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