FHRAI raises unfair practices, GST compliance concerns against Agoda

New Delhi: The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) on Saturday expressed serious concerns over unilateral changes made by global online travel agency Agoda to its commission structure and terms of engagement with Indian hospitality partners. The FHRAI, the apex body representing over 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants across the country, also alleged non-compliance with GST regulations by Agoda, stating that the platform is charging commission on the GST amount, which directly contradicts Indian taxation laws. Further, Agoda is not charging GST on its commission, thereby shifting the tax burden onto Indian hotels, said the association, raising red flags over the resulting complications in GST reconciliation and potential loss of government revenue, particularly affecting listed and tax-compliant hospitality companies. “India’s hospitality sector is working hard to recover and rebuild in the post-pandemic era. In such a scenario, unilateral…