Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Embrace India Market with New CEO Hishan Singhawansa

A New Era for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts with India as Growth Priority

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have made a significant leadership appointment by naming Hishan Singhawansa as their new CEO, marking a clear pivot to prioritizing India in the group’s expansion strategy. With Indian arrivals soaring by 30% in the first half of 2025, the hotel chain is harnessing this momentum to attract a broader spectrum of travelers, including leisure guests, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) participants, and wedding parties.

Strategic Vision Around India

Hishan Singhawansa, bringing over 17 years of experience within John Keells Group, is steering Cinnamon to amplify its ties with the Indian market. Recognizing Sri Lanka’s geographical advantage—just short flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai—Cinnamon is gearing up to offer a luxurious and authentic hospitality experience that echoes the evolving tastes of Indian travelers.

Among the key developments emphasizing this growth is the USD 1.2 billion Cinnamon Life Colombo, an integrated resort offering extensive accommodation and cutting-edge MICE facilities. This project aims to position Colombo as a prime regional hub for large-scale Indian events, including weddings and corporate gatherings.

Investment in Talent and Sustainability

The hotel group is not only focused on physical growth but also on strengthening human resources through initiatives like the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, which elevates local workforce capabilities to global standards. Equality in the workplace is also a focus, with the EmpowHer initiative targeting a 30% rise in female participation, underpinning Cinnamon’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Moreover, Cinnamon is expanding its sustainable tourism footprint by growing Cinnamon Nature Trails, an experiential division offering activities such as whale watching and wildlife safaris, aligning with increasing demand for eco-friendly travel options among Indian tourists.

From Past Foundations to Present Ambitions

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have long been a prominent name in Sri Lanka and the Maldives hospitality sector, operating 17 properties and participating in the Global Hotel Alliance. This legacy provides the solid platform from which the company is launching its latest India-centric growth phase.

The increasing visitor flows from India echo a larger trend in regional tourism where geographical proximity and cultural ties stimulate travel demand. The hospitality industry here is evolving with infrastructure developments such as integrated resorts and a rising emphasis on curated experiences reflecting local culture and sustainability.

Table: Cinnamon Life Colombo Resort Overview

Outlook: Tourism and Economic Transformation

Focusing growth on India—now the largest source of international arrivals to the region—signals a strategic understanding of emerging market dynamics. The hospitality sector’s expansion is likely to contribute positively to economic transformation through job creation, community upliftment, and enhancing Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a regional destination for tourism, business, and events.

The convergence of luxury facilities, workforce empowerment, sustainability, and strong international partnerships creates a robust foundation for Cinnamon’s future. As Indian travellers embrace new experiences and sustainable tourism, markets like Sri Lanka are poised to capture a larger share of this lucrative segment.

Riassunto e prospettive future

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ leadership renewal under Hishan Singhawansa represents a strategic bet on India’s fast-growing outbound travel market. Anchored by monumental developments such as Cinnamon Life Colombo and bolstered by workforce and sustainability initiatives, the group is shaping Sri Lanka’s hotel and event landscape to appeal directly to Indian leisure and corporate travelers.

With existing properties complementing this vision and membership in a global hotel alliance, Cinnamon is well-placed to expand its footprint and offer tailored experiences that attract yacht enthusiasts seeking unique destinations and activities in regional waters. The increased influx of Indian guests is likely to create opportunities not only for luxury hotel stays but also for diverse chartering and boating experiences along Sri Lanka’s coastline and nearby islands.

For those looking to explore yachting, sailing, and boating in the region, services like GetBoat.com provide an excellent international marketplace to rent sailing boats, yachts, and superyachts that match every taste and budget, perfectly complementing the rising tourism fervor in these waters.

By connecting luxury hospitality with marine leisure opportunities across beaches, lakes, and oceans, the evolving tourism landscape promises vibrant destinations and unforgettable experiences.