In its 56th meeting on 3 September 2025, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved major changes to indirect tax rates. These revised rates will take effect from 22 September 2025. The decisions cover hotels, air travel, restaurants, and even luxury transport like private jets and yachts.

Hotel Stays Become More Affordable

For travelers booking mid-range hotels, the GST on rooms priced between ₹1,001 and ₹7,500 a night has been cut from 12% to 5%. This means a room costing ₹4,500 will now carry a tax of only ₹225 instead of ₹540.

• Rooms below ₹1,000 remain tax-free.
• Rooms above ₹7,500 continue to attract 18% GST.

Tourism operators believe this will encourage more domestic travel, especially during the upcoming festive season when hotels are in high demand.

Economy Air Travel Gets Cheaper, Premium Costs More

Passengers flying economy will now pay only 5% GST, down from 12%. This means a typical Pune-to-Delhi round trip could cost less during Navratri and Diwali. However, business, premium economy, and first-class tickets will now be taxed at 18%, up from 12%. 

Finance experts clarify that the tax rate depends on the booking date. If tickets are booked before 22 September, the old GST rates apply, even if the journey takes place later.

Restaurants See Lower Tax

Dining out will also cost less. Restaurants that earlier charged 12–18% GST will now collect just 5%. For families planning meals outside during the festive season, this is expected to give a small relief. Wedding planners and caterers also welcome the move, as lower GST on food services can help reduce event budgets.

Luxury Travel Faces Higher Tax

While middle-class travellers benefit, luxury transport will become more expensive. Private jets, helicopters, and yachts will now attract a 40% GST, compared to the earlier 28% plus 3% cess. The Council has signaled that those who can afford such luxury items should contribute more in taxes. Premium air tickets for business and first-class travelers are also part of this higher-tax category.

Boost for Tourism and Hospitality

Economists believe these changes will support the services sector, especially tourism and hospitality, which were hit hard by the pandemic. Cheaper hotel rooms, economy flights, and restaurant meals are likely to encourage more domestic travel and consumer spending during the festive period.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Actual costs may vary depending on travel dates, hotel policies, ticketing terms, and other factors. Travellers are advised to check updated booking conditions before making payments.

Sri Lanka successfully showcases island as premier wedding destination with multi-city luxury wedding shows

India – September 2025 – Sri Lanka Tourism has officially opened its doors for destination weddings, extending a warm invitation to Indian couples and families to celebrate their special day in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations. To mark this, Sri Lanka Tourism successfully concluded a series of multi-city luxury wedding shows across India, positioning the island as a premier choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences.

The showcases brought together leading Sri Lankan hotels, resorts, heritage venues, and wedding service providers with top Indian wedding planners, travel agents, and media representatives. Each event offered exclusive networking sessions, immersive experiences, and tailor-made wedding concepts—demonstrating Sri Lanka’s unmatched ability to host both traditional Indian ceremonies and contemporary luxury celebrations.

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau commented:

“Sri Lanka is now open for destination weddings, and we invite India to come celebrate love with us. The overwhelming response across India reaffirmed our belief that Sri Lanka holds a special place in the hearts of Indian couples. From pristine beaches and tea garden retreats to colonial mansions and heritage forts, the island offers everything needed to create weddings that are truly unforgettable.”

Why Choose Sri Lanka for Your Wedding?

● Diverse Venues: From barefoot beach vows and serene garden ceremonies to regal celebrations in historic forts or luxury resorts.

● Proximity & Easy Access: Short flights from major Indian cities and hassle-free visa processes for guests.

● Luxury & Affordability: Packages tailored for both grand weddings and intimate boutique celebrations.

● Expertise You Can Trust: World-class hospitality, wedding planners, and catering teams well-versed in Indian traditions.

● Unique Experiences: Cultural welcomes, VIP facilitation, airport branding, police escorts, and customs support for décor and production—ensuring a seamless journey.

Strong Industry Participation

The wedding showcases saw enthusiastic participation from Sri Lankan luxury hotels, iconic venues, and destination management companies, alongside India’s leading wedding planners and travel agents. The collaborative spirit underscored the potential for a flourishing cross-border wedding tourism market.

Expanding the Destination Wedding Market

The events highlighted the growing trend of boutique and intimate weddings among Indian couples. Sri Lanka Tourism showcased its readiness to cater to this evolving segment with curated packages and bespoke experiences, blending cultural richness, natural beauty, and luxury at an affordable scale.

About Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism, the official body promoting the island as a global travel destination, works closely with industry stakeholders to highlight the country’s diverse offerings—from cultural exploration and adventure tourism to luxury weddings. With personalised facilitation services and world-class hospitality, Sri Lanka is ready to become India’s most cherished wedding destination—truly a celebration in paradise.