India, Sept. 5 -- Just ahead of the festive and wedding season, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has rolled out a reform that promises to make hotel stays and air travel lighter on the pocket for Indian travellers.

In its 56th meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the council announced reductions in GST rates on hotels and airline tickets, changes that will come into effect on September 22, 2025.

For travellers, it means that holidays will now be a little easier on the wallet. Hotel rooms priced at or below Rs.7,500 per night will now attract only 5% GST, down from the earlier 12%, though without the benefit of input tax credits. Rooms priced below Rs.1,000 will remain exempt, while luxury stays above Rs.7,500...