CINNAMON COLOMBO HOTELS
The growth of city tourism
Q: In the context of our city hotels, how is the hospitality sector faring at this time?
A: We have seen arrivals increase by over 200 percent yearon-year in the last three months alone. The city capture was more than 55 percent – with the five-star capture being 42 percent, and three and four-star being 33 percent.
Q: Could you tell us about the increase in demand and consequent rise in revenue?
A: Food and beverage (F&B) business has grown by over 150 percent from pre-COVID levels. All hotels including standalone venues are doing well. Price increases due to food inflation are controlled. Overall, Colombo is doing well and on track.
Q: How does the city of Colombo add value to your hotel’s hospitality offering?
A: Apart from location accessibility, airport proximity and so on, there are cultural attractions such as temples, kovils, churches, cultural events such as the Navam Perahera and shopping at Pettah’s street markets to luxury shopping – all within a few minutes of each other.
Even with dining, there is so much variety. Cinnamon offers 21 outlets in the city and is adding more with Cinnamon Life.
There is so much to do in Colombo and Cinnamon will also be adding City Trails – the Colombo arm of our Nature Trails programme, which enables visitors to experience the city through a new lens.
Q: What are the most striking consumer trends that Sri Lanka should be focussing on?
A: Luxury travel is a new trend. But at the same time, visitors are looking to connect with the local communities, and aspects such as sustainable tourism, wellness, wellbeing and mindfulness.
We are also seeing steady growth in trends such as solo travellers, adventure seekers and those who travel for spiritual experiences.
Q: And finally, what are your hotel’s expansion plans? A: In preparation for the next steps in tourism opening up for Sri Lanka, we are in the process of signing management agreements, setting up global sales offices and moving into the luxury segment, which are steps aimed at bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world with elegance and style.