Hospitality Sector in Goa Welcomes 50% GST Discount for Hotels Situated in Hinterland:

Hospitality Sector in Goa Welcomes 50% GST Discount for Hotels Situated in Hinterland People involved in Goa's hotel and tourism business are happy with the state government's Budget announcement. The government has promised to give a 50% discount on state GST and other benefits to those who invest in building hotels in the inner parts of the state, away from the coast. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, during the last assembly session, shared the state Budget and explained important steps the government will take to boost development in the hotel and medical tourism sectors. The plan includes big tax discounts, no stamp duty or registration fees, and waivers on other charges for people who invest in building three-star or higher hotels or hospitals in inland areas like Bicholim, Sanguem, Canacona, Quepem, Dharbandora, Ponda, and Sattari.

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The budget is expected to be passed at the next assembly session in June. People from the tourism industry have reacted positively, calling it a big step towards spreading tourism more evenly across Goa and helping it grow in a sustainable way. Gaurish Dhond, President of the Goa Hotel and Restaurant Association, praised the plan, saying it will help grow both hotel and medical tourism in less developed areas. Basuri Desai, who owns 'The Inaka Goa', an eco-friendly resort in Canacona near the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, has already been promoting tourism in Goa’s interior regions. He said the new tax benefits will likely attract more investment. “As someone running a business in Goa’s hinterland, this gives me the motivation I need to expand into lesser-known places,” he said. Desai added that this policy could help create jobs, protect local traditions, and preserve the area's natural beauty. He believes places like Canacona, Sanguem, Quepem, and northern areas like Pernem and Sattari will gain a lot if the plan is carried out well.