Category: Hotel News

  • Sriyangani Dhanapala

    Sriyangani Dhanapala

    Sriyangani Dhanapala: Pioneering Excellence at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

    Sriyangani’s appointment as Resort Manager at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, is more than just a career milestone; it’s a source of inspiration for women in hospitality. By breaking traditional gender barriers, she’s encouraging more women to step into leadership roles in this dynamic industry.

    Introducing an extraordinary trailblazer: Sriyangani Dhanapala, the first female Resort Manager and one of the brightest stars in the constellation of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. 

    In just eight years, Sriyangani’s dedication and hard work saw her rise to leadership roles, including Director of Brand Development for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Assistant Vice President at the John Keells Group.

    In her new role at Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel she’ll be overseeing all operations, ensuring top-notch service, enhancing guest satisfaction, and driving the resort’s growth and innovation.

    Sriyangani’s appointment is more than just a career milestone; it’s a source of inspiration for women in hospitality. By breaking traditional gender barriers, she’s encouraging more women to step into leadership roles in this dynamic industry. Her journey showcases the incredible possibilities that come from dedication and hard work, serving as a powerful role model for aspiring female professionals everywhere, but especially within the hospitality industry.

    A Vibrant Leadership Journey

    Cinnamon Bentota Beach: That’s where Sriyangani has taken the helm, infusing every sun-kissed corner with her boundless energy and unwavering commitment to excellence. As Resort Manager, she orchestrates a symphony of hospitality, ensuring that guests experience nothing short of magic during their stay.

    From Marketing to Operations: Sriyangani’s journey began over a decade ago. She cut her teeth in Brand Marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, where she wove marketing campaigns, dissected strategic insights, and dreamed big. But her heart yearned for more—a deeper connection with guests. So, she dove into operations, focusing on Brand Quality Assurance and Development. The guest experience became her canvas, and she painted it with meticulous care.

    Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Futures

    So, congratulations and best wishes to Sriyangani Dhanapala—the woman who reminds us that passion, perseverance, and a sprinkle of cosmic magic can turn dreams into constellations. 

  • Hilton Hotels = Kandy + Yala + Kosgoda + Nuwara-Eliya + Colombo + Negombo

    Hilton Hotels = Kandy + Yala + Kosgoda + Nuwara-Eliya + Colombo + Negombo

    Hilton = Kandy + Yala + Kosgoda + Nuwara-Eliya + Colombo + Negombo

    • Hilton Kandy Resort will have 150 rooms
    • Hilton Yala Resort & Spa will have 42 rooms
    • Hilton Kosgoda Resort will have 200 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara Eliya will have 96 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo will have 96 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport will have 200 rooms

    Hilton to manage six new hotels in Sri Lanka

    Following the landmark deal by Hilton Hotels to manage six more hotels in Sri Lanka, senior management of the Hilton met visiting Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank and IMF meetings.

    Senior Vice President of Hilton Jonas Neihardt met with Minister Karunanayake, facilitated by Nisha Biswal, Senior Advisor of Albright Stonebridge Group, to brief on measures being taken by this renowned global hospitality company of the United States to strengthen its market footprints in Sri Lanka and to discuss initiatives for further expanding its presence in Sri Lanka, described as one of the most sought-after destination in the world, at present.

    The discussions centered on how Hilton Group could not only manage more hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, but as to how the Group can promote Sri Lanka as a destination among American public, and worldwide.

    Hilton Hotels on 5th April signed a six management agreements with Melwa Hotels & Resorts Private Limited to manage three Hilton Hotels & Resorts and three DoubleTree by Hilton properties in Sri Lanka.

    This latest milestone also marks the debut of the award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Sri Lanka and significantly expands Hilton’s presence in some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. The deal also bears testament to the global hospitality company’s growing footprint in Asia Pacific.

    The six new-build properties, including three resorts are scheduled to open between 2020 and 2021 are Hilton Kandy Resort, Hilton Yala Resort & Spa, Hilton Kosgoda Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara-Eliya, DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo.

    “Our hotels are strategically located in the heart of key tourist destinations of Kandy, Yala, Kosgoda, Nuwara-Eliya, Colombo and Negombo, allowing them to reap the full benefits of the burgeoning growth in tourism in Sri Lanka,” senior vice president, Development – Asia & Australasia, Hilton Guy Phillips said at the occasion.
    Hilton Hotels and Resorts has inked a deal to manage six hotels in Sri Lanka with 784 rooms, built by Colombo-based Melwa Steel Group.

    The hotels will be spread around the island in key beach resort areas, the hill country and near wildlife reserves.

    “We are delighted to add to our existing portfolio in Sri Lanka with our world-class Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton brands in highly attractive destinations within the country, and we look forward to welcoming guests with our renowned Hilton hospitality”

    “With few international hotel brands having a widespread presence throughout the country, Hilton will enjoy the first-mover advantage in riding on Sri Lanka’s growth trajectory,” Sean Wooden, Hilton’s vice president of brand management in Asia Pacific, said in a statement.

    Hilton already manages a five-star city hotel in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo and serviced apartments Hilton Residency.

    Melwa Hotels & Resorts is to invest $100 million to build the six new hotels hotel with 784 rooms, Sri Lanka’s DailyMirror newspaper reported.

    • Hilton Kandy Resort will have 150 rooms
    • Hilton Yala Resort & Spa will have 42 rooms
    • Hilton Kosgoda Resort will have 200 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Nuwara Eliya will have 96 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Negombo will have 96 rooms
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Colombo International Airport will have 200 rooms