Financial Times

Cinnamon Grand Colombo replaces Colombo Plaza
Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, the exciting new leisure offering from John Keells Holdings which is re-branding its hotel chain, was launched at the World Travel Market in London recently.

Cinnamon, which will offer ‘affordably indulgent experiences for people of all ages’, was unveiled at the Sri Lanka stand at the WTM with a gathering that included Deputy Minister of Tourism Arjuna Ranatunga and Kshenuka Senewiratne, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK. Among those who officially declared the stall open were Susantha Ratnayake, Deputy Chairman and Joint Managing Director of JKH, Ajit Gunawardena - Joint Managing Director JKH, Rohan Karr, CEO Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and other key Cinnamon representatives.

Meanwhile the Colombo launch was unusually done this weekend at the Colombo Plaza – now renamed the Cinnamon Grand Colombo -- with invitees being treated to dinner, an all-night party, stay-over and breakfast!
Visitors to the Cinnamon Stall at WTM experienced the indulgent touch by being treated champagne & strawberries, handmade chocolate truffles, sugar coated cashews and an assortment of exotic nuts - the promise of Cinnamon.
The Cinnamon brand will be synonymous with luxury, comfort, creativity and discovery and encapsulate world-renowned Sri Lankan hospitality.

This will be achieved by providing comfort through consistent hospitality standards overlaid with simple treats and sincere surprises, creativity to inspire ideas that add colour to life and discovery, which comes from the distinct personality of each property in terms of the array of activities available.

JKH said in a statement that yesterday’s launch of the first Cinnamon Hotel in Colombo would be followed by the refurbishment and rebranding of two resorts in the Maldives and The Citadel, Bentota Beach Hotel, The Trans Asia Hotel in Colombo and The Lodge Habarana by December 2006 – each offering a unique indulgent and sensory experience.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is a culmination of a $1 million brand research and discovery program, which consolidates a portfolio of city and resort properties. Initial focus will be on Sri Lanka and the Maldives with expansion across South Asia and the Gulf by 2010 with an additional 20 hotels. Once completed, it is expected that Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts will be on a par with some of the world’s best hotels and a leader in Asia.

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