Colombo's hospitality sector is repositioning itself for a broader Indian audience as air connectivity improves and traveler preferences shift toward integrated, experience-rich destinations. At the center of this push is City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the flagship integrated resort operated by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, which is leveraging new flight links and a diversified commercial strategy to capture a larger share of India's outbound market.
In an exclusive interview with Travelmao, Victoria Fuh, Head of Commercial – Colombo Hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, outlined the group's India roadmap. She emphasized that India is already Sri Lanka's leading source market, but significant headroom remains, particularly in premium leisure, MICE, destination weddings, and celebrations. Fuh noted that the resort's integrated model—combining accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness, and event infrastructure under one roof—sets it apart from standalone hotels and aligns with Indian travelers' growing appetite for multifaceted experiences.
New air routes open western India
The launch of FitsAir's direct Ahmedabad–Colombo service in May, operating three times weekly, is a key enabler for the resort's expansion into western India. Fuh described the route as a meaningful development that removes a significant barrier for travelers from Gujarat, a market with strong potential across leisure, family travel, weddings, and MICE. "Connectivity does not create demand on its own, but it removes a significant barrier and gives us the platform to build demand," she said.
Beyond Ahmedabad, the resort is targeting established gateways like Mumbai and Delhi while also focusing on Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Fuh stressed that India is not a homogeneous market: "Our commercial strategy is therefore not to treat India as one homogeneous market, but to build relationships and propositions that are relevant to each market." This city-specific approach is central to the group's growth plans over the next 12 to 18 months.
Integrated destination vs. regional rivals
Fuh positioned City of Dreams Sri Lanka as a distinct alternative to short-haul competitors like Dubai, Thailand, and the Maldives. Rather than asking travelers to choose between a city break, a resort stay, or a cultural tour, the integrated destination allows them to combine all these elements in one trip. "We are not asking the traveller to choose between a city break, a resort experience or a cultural holiday," she explained.
This model is particularly relevant for Indian travelers seeking proximity and cultural familiarity alongside a sense of discovery. Colombo's growing culinary and cultural scene, dynamic waterfront, and easy access to the island's heritage and coastline add to its appeal. Fuh noted that Sri Lanka offers depth and variety in a relatively compact destination, which is a key differentiator.
The resort is also adapting its distribution strategy as AI-powered trip planning and digital channels reshape how travelers discover destinations. Fuh outlined plans to strengthen partnerships with travel trade partners in western India and to build the destination into their programmes and recommendations. The focus is on creating tailored propositions for each source market, from MICE planners to wedding groups.
As Sri Lanka's tourism recovery accelerates, the combination of new air routes and an integrated resort offering positions Colombo as a sophisticated urban destination. For travel professionals, the message is clear: the Indian market is diversifying, and those who can cater to its varied segments stand to benefit. Related developments in the region, such as wellness and sustainability trends reshaping luxury property, underscore the broader shift toward experience-led travel.
With the Ahmedabad route now operational and more Indian cities within reach, Cinnamon Hotels is betting that Colombo's integrated appeal will resonate with a new generation of Indian travelers. As Fuh put it, "City of Dreams Sri Lanka sits at the centre of that evolution."
