In FY17-18, Sri Lanka-based group Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts hosted approx. 28,280 visitors and is expecting more from the Indian market this year. Dileep Mudadeniya, Head of Brand Marketing tells us about his specialized MICE and events team who handle a diverse mix of requirements.

Launched in 2005, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is a home-grown leading chain of diverse getaways with 10 properties in Sri Lanka, including 3 city hotels in Colombo and 7 resorts around the country. The properties are diverse in their offerings with unique experiences adapting to the distinct surroundings of beach, jungle, riverside to cityscapes.

Cinnamon Experiences called Cinnamon Nature Trails and the latest service called ‘Cinnamon Island Weddings’, a bespoke luxury wedding service for destination weddings adds to its uniqueness.

With its personalized 360 degree execution capability, Cinnamon Island Weddings help plan weddings with expert assistance from suggesting innovative themes and designs. Speaking to BWHotelier, Dileep Mudadeniya – Head of Brand Marketing, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts said, “MICE and weddings are given special significance as it encompasses a whole lot of activities related to both business and leisure.”

A specialized MICE and Events team skilled to handle a diverse mix of requests and requirements is present in every property. So whether it’s planning a fully blown business event, a comprehensive leisure itinerary or an entertainment event, Cinnamon’s expertise will help to put it all together with an end-to-end solution and contingency plan.

Talking about an eclectic mix of local and international cuisines combined with a truly Sri Lankan dining experience, he added, “Gastronomy is paramount to the Cinnamon experience with specialty restaurants across our 10 properties, ranging from Nuga Gama at Cinnamon Grand, Rock Salt at Cinnamon Bey, The Crabat Trinco Blu by Cinnamon and many more. One can dig into delectable seafood, feast on a medium rare steak with the mountains as the backdrop or sip on cocktails with feet dipped in an aqua lounge.”

Reinventing their offerings to stay true to the destination, Rock Salt at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala is the first restaurant in Sri Lanka to launch the concept of Lava Stone Cooking while The Lotus at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana specializes in farm to table format.

As per the green standards, Cinnamon is engaging both locals and guests in sustainable practices across all properties. “Business is conducted whilst minimizing the ecological footprint to reduce our carbon footprint from 2 to 0.8 metric tons. There are bio-gas digesters installed where the bio gas generated is used in the staff kitchens for respective resorts,” he added.

In FY17-18, the brand hosted approx. 28,280 visitors- including MICE, leisure and weddings. With the Cinnamon experience some of the tours have attracted many MICE queries, hence proving it to be a lucrative wedding choice for many Indian families.

The biggest investment in future for the group is Cinnamon Life, an integrated development project by the John Keells Group. This city will consist of 800-rooms luxury Cinnamon hotel, entertainment facilities, residential apartments, retail and entertainment mall, office spaces, and many other attractions. The development’s iconic design by Cecil Balmond will span across 4.5 million square feet, and is envisioned to be the epicentre of modern South Asia.

“The wedding tourism industry is a high potential market that is on a rapid growth trajectory as travel trends show that more and more travellers are leaning towards romantic destination weddings. This initiative has helped to showcase Sri Lanka’s offering as a vibrant, beautiful and captivating destination for weddings and will highlight how well the island and its hotels are geared to host tailor-made weddings, receptions and honeymoons,” he added.