Goa Industry Body Welcomes GST Reforms

Goa’s leading industry body has extended strong support to the newly announced Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, calling it a significant move towards ease of doing business and boosting economic self-reliance. The announcement comes after the GST Council approved a simplified two-tier tax structure during its meeting on Wednesday.

GST Reforms: A Big Step for Ease of Doing Business

The GST Council has restructured the indirect tax system into a simplified two-tier rate structure of 5% and 18%, effective September 22, 2025. This reform is being hailed as a major step in reducing complexities, making compliance easier, and ensuring greater transparency for businesses across India.

Goa Industry Body Welcomes the Move

Speaking to the media, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Director General, Sanjay Amonkar, said the reforms were a “big step” that would not only enhance the ease of doing business but also strengthen the vision of economic self-reliance.

“This reform will create a more business-friendly environment and help industries function more efficiently,” Amonkar noted.

Tourism Stakeholders See Positive Impact

Tourism stakeholders in Goa have also responded positively to the reforms, describing them as “prima facie good” for the sector. With Goa being one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, the revised GST structure is expected to:

Lower operational burdens for tourism-related businesses.

Simplify taxation for hotels, restaurants, and travel services.

Encourage more competitive pricing for tourists, especially ahead of the festive and peak travel seasons.

Implementation from September 22, 2025

The revised GST framework will be implemented nationwide starting September 22, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of Navaratri, one of India’s busiest travel seasons. This timing is expected to further benefit the tourism sector by boosting both domestic and international arrivals.

A Boost for Goa’s Tourism Economy

Goa’s tourism-driven economy stands to gain significantly from these reforms. By easing taxation and compliance, businesses in the state can focus more on enhancing services and experiences for travelers. The move is seen as a strategic push to strengthen Goa’s position as a premier global travel destination.