Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, provides insights into the brand’s recent initiatives and strategic collaborations. He discusses the transformative impact of partnerships, sustainability efforts, and talent development programs on the hospitality sector. Tawar also highlights the growing appeal of Sri Lanka as a destination for luxury travel and MICE tourism, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community-focused practices in shaping the future of hospitality.
How does the partnership with Melco enhance Cinnamon Life’s positioning as a luxury integrated resort, and what unique experiences will guests enjoy post-collaboration?
The partnership with Melco marks a transformative chapter for Cinnamon Life City Of Dreams Sri Lanka, positioning it firmly as South Asia’s premier luxury integrated resort. Melco’s global pedigree in delivering immersive entertainment, world-class gaming, and bespoke experiences brings an unmatched level of sophistication to Sri Lanka. Guests can look forward to a curated blend of high-end hospitality, curated dining concepts, signature entertainment acts, world class shopping and premium lifestyle experiences—all under one roof. This collaboration not only redefines luxury in the region but sets a new benchmark for integrated resort experiences in South Asia.
With the launch of South Asia’s largest gaming space and shopping mall in Q3 2025, how do you anticipate this will attract Indian outbound tourists and elevate Sri Lanka as a premium destination?
India remains one of our most significant source markets, and this expansion is perfectly timed to align with the rising demand for short-haul luxury escapes among Indian outbound travellers. With South Asia’s largest gaming space and an upscale retail mall featuring global and regional brands, Cinnamon Life City Of Dreams Sri Lanka is poised to be a magnet for aspirational Indian travellers. Beyond gaming and shopping, the property’s integrated offerings—MICE infrastructure, culinary diversity, and iconic city views—will elevate Colombo as a premier South Asian resort destination, complementing Sri Lanka’s leisure and heritage circuits.
Can you share key examples of on-ground ESG initiatives at Cinnamon Life, particularly in sustainability and community development, and their impact on local stakeholders?
At Cinnamon Life City Of Dreams Sri Lanka, ESG is embedded into our operations, reflecting our commitment to responsible hospitality and long-term sustainability. Environmentally, we’ve eliminated plastic water bottles through in-house glass bottling, adopted a “Zero Single-Use Plastic” approach in guest areas and events, and achieved zero waste to landfill. The property is fully LED-lit, uses rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and is introducing electric vehicles and a ticketless car park system. We’ve also conducted a biodiversity survey, with plans to share insights with guests. Socially, we drive quarterly clean-up campaigns, ensure every team member contributes at least 20 volunteer hours annually, and host biannual blood donation drives. We also support underprivileged schools in the surrounding area, strengthening our local impact. On governance, we’re progressing toward ISO 14001 certification, global EarthCheck sustainability standards, and securing the Environmental Protection License—ensuring compliance and transparency.
These efforts not only reduce our footprint but also foster inclusive, meaningful growth for the communities around us.
How will the Cinnamon DISCOVERY Loyalty Programme and the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP) contribute to expanding your customer base and establishing Sri Lanka as a leading MICE hub?
The Cinnamon DISCOVERY programme, as part of the GHA Discovery network, connects us to over 24 million global travellers, offering unparalleled visibility across premium feeder markets. With exclusive offers, recognition-based rewards, and experiential benefits, the programme strengthens guest loyalty across leisure & business. Simultaneously, the SLCAP initiative engages Sri Lankan professionals and industry leaders across the globe to champion the destination. Together, these initiatives create a powerful pipeline—bringing in high-value MICE events and leisure travellers, while positioning Sri Lanka as a compelling alternative to regional MICE hubs.
What role does the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy play in addressing talent gaps in the hospitality sector, and how does it align with Cinnamon’s vision for excellence in guest experiences?
The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy plays a vital role in bringing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ vision of exceptional guest experiences to fruition. Driven by our commitment to elevate the future of Sri Lankan tourism, the academy is instrumental in cultivating a pipeline of highly skilled professionals. In partnership with the Swiss Hotel Management Association, the academy provides training that blends international best practices with local insights, developing professionals who are not only skilled in areas like front-of-house, sustainability, and digital fluency but also deeply committed to exceeding guest expectations. This ensures a consistent flow of high-caliber talent capable of bringing our world-class vision to life.
