Mysuru: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decision to reduce tax on hotels to 5 percent is a welcome step, said Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association President C. Narayanagowda.

He was addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday and said that when GST was implemented initially, tax on the hotel industry was fixed at 18 percent and 28 percent. This had caused a lot of problems to the industry. Viewing this move very seriously, including the Mysuru Hotel Owners Association, many other associations in the country approached the GST Council to review its decision.

The Centre finally, realising the losses the hotel industry was incurring, responded to our suggestion and reduced the GST. Accordingly, a 5 percent GST has been fixed for all hotels with a turnover of less than Rs. One crore. The GST of 28 percent fixed on restaurants has been reduced to 12 percent, he said.

Staging of play ‘Mooru Muttu’ on Nov. 16

As part of Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, the Association has organised a play titled ‘Mooru Muttu’ on Nov.16 at Jaganmohan Palace at 5.30 pm. The humorous  play is being staged by Roopkala Kundapura (Kullappa) troupe and admission is free, said Narayangowda.

Littérateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), District Kannada Sahitya Parishat former President N. Girigowda and Mysore Travels Association President B.S. Prashanth, who has been presented the National Award for promotion of tourism, will be felicitated on the occasion.

Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association President Chandrashekar Hebbar, Tourism Department Mysuru Deputy Director H.P. Janardhan, Hotel Owners’ Association Charitable Trust President Ravishastri, Vice-President Suresh and others will be present.