Colombo needs stronger international marketing and better connectivity with key source markets to attract more foreign tourists, General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams and Senior Vice President of Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Kamal Munasinghe said.
In response to a media question on increasing tourist arrivals and attracting new visitors to Sri Lanka, Munasinghe said Colombo had developed a wider range of attractions and experiences in recent years but needed to communicate these offerings more effectively to international travellers.
He noted that shopping malls, entertainment centres, diverse food and beverage outlets and new hospitality developments had expanded the city’s appeal, particularly within a five-kilometre radius over the past three to five years. Colombo also offers experiences such as shipwreck diving, which is expected to be launched in November by Cinnamon Nature Trails in collaboration with Cinnamon Life, he said. Golf and easy access to coastal destinations such as Bentota further strengthen Colombo’s appeal as a destination for short breaks and extended stays.
“Colombo is open to so much more. You can do it in Colombo now, just like any other city,” Munasinghe said, highlighting the city’s ability to offer visitors contrasting experiences within a short travel time. Munasinghe identified Australia as an important emerging market for the hotel group and said it was currently the third-largest source market for Cinnamon Life.
He stressed that reaching potential travellers directly and improving connectivity between Sri Lanka and key source markets were essential to translating the country’s growing range of tourism experiences into higher visitor arrivals. He also highlighted Colombo’s competitive advantage in allowing tourists to combine a city stay with beach and other leisure experiences within a few hours’ travel.
Source: Daily News
