India and Sri Lanka share a rich legacy of cultural, religious and trade connections dating back to ancient times. With many Sri Lankans tracing their heritage to India and Buddhism – a religion that originated in India – playing a significant role in Sri Lankan culture, the bond between these two nations is strong. This connection is mirrored in tourism, with Indian tourists consistently topping Sri Lanka’s arrival charts. 

The teardrop-shaped island is experiencing a revival, smiling again after economic challenges. The tourism sector, a key driver of this recovery, is flourishing and is inviting tourists to rediscover the island’s pristine charm. For Indian travellers, the country offers an ideal, affordable getaway with the added advantage of proximity. 

Last year, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,487,303 foreign tourists, with Indians comprising 20 per cent of this number. Sri Lanka recorded 302,844 Indian tourist arrivals in 2023, which was more than double compared to 123,004 tourist arrivals recorded in 2022. 

So far, the best year for Sri Lanka Tourism in the Indian market was in 2018 when it recorded 424,887 tourist arrivals. Short travel times and favourable exchange rates make Sri Lanka an attractive destination for Indians.

Convenient Travel Options
Travelling from India to Sri Lanka is notably convenient. A flight from Delhi to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, takes just three hours and 35 minutes, while a flight from Kochi in Kerala is a quick 70-minute journey.

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, offers seamless connections to a global network of 115 destinations in 59 countries, including major cities in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, South East Asia, the Far East and the Indian subcontinent. Flying from nine Indian cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Bengaluru – SriLankan Airlines promises a taste of the island’s renowned hospitality right from the start. The airline boasts a modern Airbus fleet, including the state-of-the-art A330-300 and A320/321neo aircraft.

A Taste of Sri Lankan Hospitality
SriLankan Airlines promotes inbound and outbound tourism, leveraging its network through the leisure arm – SriLankan Holidays (SLH). As part of its initiatives to promote tourism further, the airline recently organised a FAM tour for Indian media. With an unparalleled hospitality by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, local tours and excursions guided by Walker’s Tours, Aviareps India extended an experiential tour to showcase the diverse tourism products Sri Lanka offers. Walkers Tours, specialising in the Indian market, expertly caters to Indian travellers, especially in the MICE sector, with tailored packages for corporate groups. Throughout the trip, their staff diligently met our preferences, making them a trusted partner for a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Among the tourist attractions we visited are the Beddagana Wetland Park, the Minneriya Wildlife Park, the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Koneswaram Temple of Trincomalee and the Galle Fort. This specially curated itinerary provided a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s natural beauty, wildlife and rich heritage, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Why Sri Lanka Should Be on Your Bucket List?
For Indian travellers seeking a beautiful, affordable destination rich in culture and natural beauty, Sri Lanka is the perfect choice. With its close proximity, favourable exchange rates and warm hospitality, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Add Sri Lanka to your travel bucket list and discover the island’s enchanting allure.
 

Soaring to new heights

Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines, shares insights into the airline’s strategies and future plans

Driven by a vision to enhance connectivity and offer unparalleled travel experiences, SriLankan Airlines is soaring to new heights. As Sri Lanka gears up to welcome 600,000 Indian tourists this year – double the number from 2023 – the airline is poised to tap into this burgeoning market. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, highlights the airline’s strategy to increase frequencies and capacity on high-demand routes between major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Trichy as well as other destinations. This expansion is aligned with the rising popularity of Sri Lanka, which is now a top choice for Indian travellers, even surpassing traditional favourites like the Maldives.

Shedding some light on the airline’s strategy to expand its market reach in India, Nuttall says, “We are exploring the possibility of introducing new destinations in India, when both internal and external conditions are favourable. Meanwhile, our current strategy focusses on enhancing the existing schedule with targetted marketing campaigns aimed at corporate travel, pilgrimages, destination weddings and the growing ‘bleisure’ travel segment which blends business with leisure.”

Enhancing the Inflight Experience
SriLankan Airlines stands out with its exceptional inflight services, aiming to elevate the passenger experience. While business class passengers enjoy four meal choices, economy class offers three, including a vegetarian option. The menu options, which include the award-winning SriLankan Flavours selection, aim to provide a culinary adventure showcasing the best of traditional Sri Lankan recipes.

“Business class customers can also take advantage of the Sky Cuisine pre-ordering service, which offers a selection of 21 meals on long-haul flights departing from Colombo. Additionally, all passengers have the option of pre-ordering a cake for special occasions, making advance seat reservations and bidding for upgrades to business class,” elaborates Nutall. For business class on long-haul routes, the airline offers fully flatbed seats, noise-cancelling headsets and the Sky Cuisine pre-ordering service which includes a selection of 21 meals. For inflight entertainment, passengers can enjoy over 100 movies, TV shows, audio options and paid internet access on select aircraft.

Collaborative Promotion of Sri Lanka
SriLankan Airlines collaborates extensively with tour operators and travel agents across India to boost travel to Sri Lanka. Concurrently, they partnered with a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in Sri Lanka to develop a compelling prepaid layover programme, enticing transit passengers to choose Sri Lanka for their stopover en route to their final destinations. 

Additionally, the airline works closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, participating in global events, travel trade fairs and roadshows to collectively promote the country as a vibrant and an all-encompassing destination. Enhancing their leisure division, SriLankan Holidays, through strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships, further underscores this commitment.

Sustaining and Boosting Tourism Amid Economic Challenges
Despite rising travel costs and global economic challenges, SriLankan Airlines remains dedicated to sustaining and boosting tourism. Nutall, on the measures taken by the airline, explains, “India stands as one of our largest inbound markets, comprising a diverse range of travel segments that include families, couples, groups, pilgrims and corporate travellers. Our Indian operations are far-reaching, serving nine cities, with nearly 90 weekly flights connecting to Colombo. SriLankan Airlines offers attractive group fares to promote group leisure travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) travel from all corners of India. Furthermore, through SriLankan Holidays, we actively promote inbound tourism to Sri Lanka.”

Collaborating with leading hotels, tour operators and other tourism-related organisations, SriLankan Holidays offers travellers a wide array of holiday opportunities. Through SriLankan Holidays, the airline offers customised, all-inclusive packages tailored to diverse interests, such as ‘Wonder of Asia’, showcasing the island’s most iconic attractions; ‘Majestic Jaffna’ uncovering vibrant cultural sites in Northern Sri Lanka; ‘Leopard Safari’ exploring Sri Lankan national parks; and ‘Surfing Adventures’ for surf enthusiasts. Additionally, they will be coming up with a campaign to raise awareness about the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka.

Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nuttall envisions SriLankan Airlines capitalising on Colombo’s strategic location as a convenient gateway for seamless connections, meeting the increasing travel demand between the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Australia. “Colombo also serves as an alternative layover point, potentially reducing overall travel time compared to traditional Middle Eastern routes. We aim to cater to the growing travel demand between China and Africa by leveraging Colombo,” he adds.

With India’s massive population driving South Asia’s largest outbound travel market, SriLankan Airlines is well-positioned to serve Indian customers. The airline’s direct services embody an authentic Sri Lankan experience, from cuisine to on-board hospitality, ensuring travellers enjoy a memorable journey. SriLankan Airlines is not just a carrier but a gateway to the wonders of Sri Lanka, committed to providing exceptional service and promoting the island as a top travel destination.

A Symphony of Sri Lankan Hospitality and Luxury

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Area VP for Sri Lanka Resorts and GM of Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Johan Aschan, emphasises that India remains a crucial market

Sri Lanka, with its warm smiles, heartfelt hospitality, vibrant culture, and boundless adventures, finds a reflection in the ethos of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. As Area Vice President, Sri Lanka Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Johan Aschan, reveals that this 100 per cent Sri Lankan-owned hotel chain prides itself on offering an authentic experience steeped in local warmth and friendliness.

The Group has meticulously positioned its properties to offer guests unparalleled access to Sri Lanka’s most captivating attractions. The eight beautiful Sri Lankan resorts – Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Cinnamon Wild Yala, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – are strategically situated across the island. Each location offers easy access to the best tourist spots, from stunning beaches and cultural landmarks to exciting wildlife safaris. “What sets us apart is more than just our prime locations. We have our own naturalists and wildlife experts under the banner of Cinnamon Nature Trails. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a deep dive into our rich culture, we ensure our guests experience the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer,” shares Aschan.

A Haven for Indian Travellers
As India stands as Sri Lanka’s top tourism market, and for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Indian guests hold a special place. The hotel chain has tailored its hospitality to cater specifically to Indian travellers. Guided by Vice President Sales, Palak Shah, and Chief Commercial Officer, Radhey Tawar, the resorts offer a perfect blend of comfort, luxury and cultural familiarity. “We go all-out to make every stay unique and enjoyable for our valued Indian guests, with excellent amenities and personalised services,” shares Aschan. Special dining options featuring Indian cuisines, prepared by skilled Indian chefs, ensure guests feel at home while enjoying a taste of Sri Lanka.

Luxury Redefined
At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, luxury is not just about opulence, it’s about authenticity and connection to local culture. “True luxury is about creating memorable experiences that let you truly connect with the heart and soul of Sri Lanka. Each of our resorts is designed to immerse guests in local culture and traditions, making every stay feel special and genuine,” explains Aschan. For instance, Cinnamon Bentota Beach, designed by celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, seamlessly blends modern luxury with local heritage. Guests can admire Bawa’s iconic architecture, enjoy personalised services and indulge in activities that highlight Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. The resort’s dining options offer a rich exploration of local flavours, ensuring every meal is a journey into Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage.

A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value at the hotel chain and it has implemented numerous projects to support local communities and protect the environment. Initiatives such as the Elephant Fencing Project (Live and Let Live project), Elephant Gathering Conservation Project, Leopard Conservation Project and Turtle Conservation Projects in partnership with local Navy Coast Guards and Cinnamon Rainforest Project reflect the chain’s commitment to preserving local ecosystems. Community empowerment projects like Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) Farming and the ‘Bees that Sustain Life’ project further showcase their dedication to sustainable practices. Transparency and open sharing of their ESG strategy foster trust and nurture relationships with stakeholders, making sustainability a way of life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

Excellence in Service
To ensure the highest standards in service and offerings, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invests in upskilling its staff through collaborations with organisations such as Vocational Training Authority (VTA). Achieving certifications like Travelife Gold and awards like SATA Gold Award for wildlife experiences underscores their commitment to eco-friendly practices and guest satisfaction. These efforts, combined with top rankings for transparency and certifications from TripAdvisor, Booking.com and ISO, solidify their position as leaders in sustainable tourism.

Culinary Delights
Food and Beverage experiences are designed to be a culinary journey, reflecting the rich diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine. From authentic local delicacies and the freshest seafood to international dishes, the menus cater to all tastes. “Our chefs, both local and international, bring their expertise and passion to every dish, creating memorable dining moments for our guests. We even have Indian chefs in our restaurants who prepare authentic Indian cuisines, providing a taste of home for our Indian guests,” shares Aschan. 

“Our chefs are adept at catering to large audiences as well as creating personalised meals for families, VIPs and special occasions. Alongside our award-winning chefs, we have talented mixologists who craft special cocktails and beverages that are popular among both local and foreign guests” explains the Area VP. The F&B offerings are not just about food, they are about storytelling and creating connections through regional cuisines and hands-on cooking experiences.

Regional cuisines play a significant role in the F&B offerings, enriching the guest experience with authentic Sri Lankan flavours. Unique dining experiences like Seilama at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and the freshest seafood at Sea Meats Spice, Crab Shack and The Crab, offer guests a taste of Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary landscape. Cooking experiences for children and families, BBQ nights, and destination dining events further enhance the connection between guests and local culture, ensuring every dining experience is a journey through Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage.

Weddings and MICE – Making Moments Special
Weddings and MICE are significant contributors to Cinnamon’s business. Cinnamon Bentota Beach and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala are favourites for destination weddings, especially among the foreign guests and Indian couples. With the Cinnamon Island Weddings, you can have your dream wedding on a beautiful beach, in a lush jungle, or even surrounded by wildlife at these stunning Sri Lankan resorts. “Cinnamon Bentota Beach is a top choice for MICE events. We recently hosted top Indian corporates for an annual conference, marking their first event outside India,” highlights the property GM. The dedicated team ensures every event is seamless and unforgettable, catering to the unique needs of each client.

Seamless Communication
Effective communication is key to providing a seamless experience at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Dedicated Guest Relations Managers, rigorous call centre training, multilingual staff and the integration of advanced analytical software and tools ensure smooth service flow and communication from booking to check-out. “This blend of cutting-edge technology and skilled personnel reflects our dedication to exceptional service and hospitality,” explains Aschan.

Embracing Local Partnerships
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts fosters memorable local experiences through strong regional partnerships. By sourcing nearly 77 per cent supplies locally and engaging in community empowerment projects, the brand enriches the guest experience while supporting local economies. “Our partnerships are built on transparency and sustainability,” says Aschan. Initiatives like The Hikka Batiks Project and the Bees That Sustain Life Project showcase the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts stands as a beacon of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality, offering a blend of luxury, culture and sustainability that ensures every guest enjoys the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer. 

Ajith Kumar LR

BW Reporters