PANJIM: Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has hailed the decision to reduce GST on hotel tariffs claiming it will give much-needed boost to State's economy. 

The relief comes at a time when the State has already received a setback on the setting up of shacks. The National Green Tribunal has stayed beach shack policy 2019-22 until CZMP is finalised and enforced in the State. 

The GST Council, headed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during its meeting on Friday approved rate cuts on hotel tariffs besides making several other announcements.

"I am extremely happy with the GST Council's decision to cut rates on room tariffs. It will surely provide much needed impetus to State's hospitality and tourism sectors, and in turn will boost State's economy," he said. 

While thanking Sitharaman for her kind consideration towards the request made by the stakeholders in the hotel industry, he also thanked the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for playing a key role and for making it happen.

"I would also like to thank Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for his relentless efforts, as without him it wouldn't have been possible," Ajgaonkar said.

"I am happy with the timing of the announcement as the new tourist season in Goa starts in few weeks. I am sure the change in room tariffs will help us in getting more and more tourists to the State," he said.