How Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is Strengthening Its Ties to Indian Travelers with Hishan Singhawansa as CEO

India Takes Center Stage in Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ Growth Strategy

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has recently named Hishan Singhawansa as its CEO, signaling a renewed focus on India as a primary market for growth. With Indian visitor arrivals up a significant 30% in the first half of 2025, this hospitality group is positioning itself to welcome more leisure travelers, corporate meetings and events, as well as the booming wedding segment from India.

Attracting Indian Travelers: Proximity and Promise

Strategically located close to the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka offers an easily accessible getaway that is just about 90 minutes by air from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai. This proximity enhances Sri Lanka’s appeal, particularly for Indian tourists seeking a mix of luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences. The new leadership at Cinnamon aims to leverage this geographical advantage with a combination of innovation and consistent service quality.

Key Target Segments

• Leisure travelers seeking cultural and coastal charm
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) clientele looking for state-of-the-art facilities
• Wedding parties looking for unforgettable destination celebrations

Cinnamon Life Colombo: A Landmark Destination

At the core of the group’s expansion is the ambitious Cinnamon Life Colombo project—an integrated resort costing USD 1.2 billion, which stands as the largest of its kind in South Asia. The resort features:

This development is expected to raise Colombo’s profile on par with other regional hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai, becoming a highly attractive venue for Indian events and tourism.

Empowering Local Talent and Sustainability Efforts

Beyond infrastructure, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is investing heavily in workforce development and social initiatives. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is grooming Sri Lanka’s future hospitality professionals to global standards. Additionally, the EmpowHer program promotes gender inclusion by aiming to increase female workforce participation by 30% within three years, fostering more diverse workplaces.

In line with the rising demand for eco-friendly travel, the Cinnamon Nature Trails division continues to broaden its conservation-driven tourism activities, such as whale watching and wildlife safaris. These experiences not only enrich the visitor’s adventure but also support sustainable tourism growth – a key trend among Indian travelers with environmentally conscious preferences.

Global Partnerships and Loyalty Programs

As the sole Sri Lankan member of the Global Hotel Alliance, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts enjoys the advantage of connecting with over 30 million loyalty members worldwide through its Cinnamon Discovery program. With 17 properties scattered across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the group is uniquely positioned to capture more of India’s outbound travel market, while amplifying Sri Lanka’s status as a magnetic tourism destination for diverse traveler profiles.

Highlights of Cinnamon’s Strategy and Tourism Impact

• Strong inbound growth: 30% increase in Indian arrivals shows a vibrant demand
• Comprehensive development: from luxury resorts to inclusive workforce growth
• Eco-conscious offerings: aligning with trends in sustainable travel
• Global loyalty access: broad reach via Global Hotel Alliance

While corporate announcements and market data provide valuable insights, nothing beats firsthand travel experience. For those seeking to indulge in Sri Lanka’s rich offerings—be it luxury adventure travel experiences, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, or culturally immersive safari tours—booking through platforms like GetExperience.com ensures access to verified providers at reasonable prices. This platform not only facilitates secure payments but also allows travelers to request personalized tours tailored exactly to their taste, balancing affordability with immersive, authentic adventures. Prenota il tuo viaggio a GetExperience.com.

Conclusione

The appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as CEO at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts comes at a pivotal moment, capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s growing popularity among Indian travelers. With its flagship project Cinnamon Life Colombo, progressive social initiatives, and strong global alliances, the group is crafting a vibrant future. This strategy melds well with broader tourism trends emphasizing luxury, sustainable experiences, and cultural authenticity. For travelers curious to explore the region’s rich natural beauty and engage in adventure rafting trips for beginners, yacht parties, museum tours with live guides, or interactive cultural workshops online, Sri Lanka offers an enticing palette.

Ultimately, the region’s tourism success hinges on combining quality infrastructure with meaningful cultural engagements. Platforms like GetExperience.com can serve as trustworthy companions in this journey, offering clarity and convenience in choosing the experiences that promise unforgettable memories.