With Sri Lanka poised for a report tourism yr in 2025, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is steering the momentum with its mega $1.3 billion Cinnamon Life project in Colombo. In an unique interplay with ETTravelWorld, Radhey Tawar, Chief Industrial Officer, Cinnamon Hotels, shares how the hospitality group is betting large on India — its largest supply market — whereas increasing its footprint in vacation spot weddings, MICE tourism, and sustainable journey.
Cinnamon Life: A Recreation-Altering $1.3 Billion Venture
Dubbed as essentially the most formidable non-public growth in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life is a flagship endeavor by John Keells Holdings — the mum or dad firm of Cinnamon Accommodations & Resorts. The mission, which Tawar calls “a game-changer not only for Cinnamon, however for your complete Colombo skyline,” consists of two residential towers, an workplace tower, a luxurious lodge, and a large-scale leisure advanced.
The lodge part, branded as Cinnamon Life Metropolis, boasts 687 rooms, six speciality eating places, and over 12 bar and beverage shops. What really distinguishes the property, nevertheless, is its 160,000 sq. ft. MICE (Conferences, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) area, and a 175,000 sq. ft. on line casino, making it the most important gaming facility in South Asia. The on line casino, managed by Melco Resorts & Leisure, is already drawing vital consideration within the Asian gaming circuit.
“We’ve partnered with Melco, one of many world’s high 5 on line casino operators, to ship a gaming expertise on par with Macau or Manila,” Tawar shared. “This makes Cinnamon Life an entire leisure vacation spot — one which caters not solely to enterprise travellers but in addition luxurious vacationers and excessive rollers from throughout Asia.”
An built-in mall adjoining the advanced is slated for opening in Q3 2025, finishing the multi-phase growth.
India: Cinnamon’s High Performing Market
Tawar revealed that Indian travellers make up 20% of all arrivals throughout Cinnamon’s 17 properties, making India the single-largest supply marketplace for the group. This determine surpasses Sri Lanka’s nationwide common of 16-17% for Indian vacationer arrivals.
“With the introduction of visa-free entry, we have seen a significant uptick in Indian footfall. And now with Cinnamon Life within the combine, Colombo is not only a transit or enterprise metropolis — it is turning into a full-fledged leisure vacation spot for Indians,” he famous.
Recognising the significance of market proximity, Cinnamon is increasing its India footprint with new gross sales places of work in Chennai and Bengaluru, along with its current presence in Mumbai and Delhi.
Vacation spot Weddings and Excessive-Finish MICE Take Centre Stage
Among the many fastest-growing segments for Cinnamon are vacation spot weddings and high-end MICE occasions, notably at Cinnamon Bentota Seaside and the newly opened Cinnamon Life Metropolis.
“We’re witnessing a robust surge in luxurious weddings from India, particularly at Cinnamon Bentota Seaside, due to its distinctive riverside and seaside confluence,” Tawar mentioned. “Cinnamon Life, too, is now being actively thought of for weddings — one thing Colombo didn’t entice earlier.”
The group can also be seeing elevated curiosity in company off-sites and high-end incentive travel from each India and the Center East. “The Indian market is evolving and more and more in search of immersive, high-value experiences, and our properties are well-positioned to cater to this.”
“Signature Weekends” with Deepa Mehta
To raise its luxurious and experiential quotient, Cinnamon is rolling out a novel marketing campaign titled “Signature Weekends” in collaboration with internationally acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta. The sequence will launch at Cinnamon Life and Cinnamon Bentota Seaside and guarantees curated experiences combining artwork, cinema, tradition, and culinary journeys.
“This initiative speaks to the discerning Indian traveller — somebody who seeks which means, depth and exclusivity of their journey,” Tawar mentioned. “Signature Weekends will provide intimate interactions, screenings, and specifically crafted menus to transcend the same old luxurious keep.”
Cinnamon’s various portfolio is tiered throughout three verticals — Signature Choice (luxurious), Cinnamon Accommodations (mid-upper scale), and By Cinnamon (value-driven practical stays). This enables the model to serve a large spectrum of Indian travellers.
“The Indian market will not be monolithic. Whereas some are in search of unique wellness retreats and curated experiences, others are on fast getaways or religious tourism circuits,” Tawar defined. “Our lodges like Cinnamon Citadel Kandy and Cinnamon Bay serve cultural and wildlife pursuits, whereas Colombo-based properties like Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon Lakeside cater to enterprise and metropolis breaks.”
Sustainability on the Core
Cinnamon’s growth philosophy is deeply intertwined with sustainability. The model is dedicated to eco-conscious practices like rainforest restoration tasks, neighborhood empowerment applications, waste and water recycling, and carbon-neutral initiatives at its properties.
“Sustainability isn’t just a speaking level for us — it’s embedded in our governance mannequin. Our conservation tasks help each the setting and the communities that host our lodges,” Tawar mentioned.
Future Outlook: Eyes on 2.6 Million Arrivals
With Sri Lanka setting a goal of two.6 million vacationer arrivals in 2025, Cinnamon Accommodations is optimistic about sustaining its edge, particularly with a projected 20-25% enhance in Indian travellers.
Tawar concluded with confidence: “Cinnamon Life isn’t just a lodge; it’s an ecosystem that’s reshaping Colombo as a luxurious vacation spot. We’re ready to steer this transformation and welcome the world — beginning with India.”
