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Boutique Hospitality with a Purpose:

Nestled along the golden shores of Mirissa, Reveal the Collection isn’t just a sanctuary of boutique luxury—it’s a champion of marine conservation. Among its four beachfront escapes, both Lantern Boutique Hotel and Beach House foster something truly extraordinary: the only turtle hatchery in Mirissa owned and operated by a hotel corporation. Established in partnership with the Department of Wildlife in 2022, the hatchery is more than a conservation project; it is a lifeline for Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles, with nearly 50,000 eggs nurtured under its care since its inception.

Between January and February alone, 9,000 turtle eggs were safeguarded under the Reveal the Collection team’s watchful care, alongside wildlife officials. The hatchery stands as a vital refuge against the growing threats of habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and climate change. Each nesting season, dedicated wildlife experts and the properties’ passionate team work in tandem to monitor nesting sites, protect fragile eggs, and ensure hatchlings safely reach the ocean.

For guests, this is more than just an experience—it is a rare once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature’s resilience. Watching a hatchling take its first determined steps towards the waves is a moment that lingers in the soul—a humbling reminder of the delicate balance of marine life. The hatchery isn’t just about conservation; it is about connection. Through interactive sessions, community education programmes, and direct guest participation, Reveal the Collection Mirissa fosters awareness and inspires action beyond its shores.

Sea turtles are more than just a wonder of the natural world – they play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. From keeping seagrass beds balanced to supporting thriving coral reefs, their survival is intricately linked to the ocean’s wellbeing. Yet, threats like entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and coastal development continue to push them towards the brink. Recognising this urgency, Reveal the Collection Mirissa’s conservation initiatives extend beyond protection—they strive to create a lasting impact.

At Reveal the Collection Mirissa, luxury intertwines with purpose. Guests don’t just revel in breathtaking ocean views; they become part of a movement to safeguard marine life. Every stay directly contributes to conservation efforts, ensuring future generations can continue to witness the awe-inspiring journey of these gentle navigators.

“At Reveal the Collection, we believe true luxury lies in experiences that leave a lasting impact—not just on our guests but the world around us. Our commitment to marine conservation is deeply woven into our identity, and through the turtle hatchery, we strive to create a meaningful difference. Each hatchling that takes its first swim represents a future we are helping to secure. As part of Browns Hotels & Resorts, Reveal the Collection remains deeply committed to sustainable initiatives that protect wildlife, preserve the environment, and uplift local communities.” said Arul Ambikaibalan, General Manager of Reveal the Collection.

The exquisite Reveal the Collection, which falls under the flagship of Browns Hotels & Resorts, features four stunning beachfront villas in Mirissa: Ubuntu Beach Villas, The Lantern Boutique Hotel, and The Beach House. Additionally, it includes The Lavender House, a colonial bungalow in the hill country, and Ayr Castle 1922, a heritage bungalow in Padukka.

A pivotal discussion was hosted recently at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to explore innovative ways to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination for weddings.

Organised jointly by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the event brought together key stakeholders from the tourism, events, and hospitality sectors.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, offering immense potential to generate significant revenue. Among its segments, destination weddings have emerged as an increasingly lucrative opportunity. Sri Lanka aims to attract 20-25 destination weddings annually, potentially generating approximately $ 6.25 million in revenue through high-profile events that attract wealthy guests from around the world. Key objectives and insights the event focused on establishing Sri Lanka as a hassle-free destination for weddings.

Topics included: Raising awareness about Sri Lanka’s unique appeal, blending scenic beauty, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality; Addressing challenges such as approval delays, lack of standardised processes, and operational inefficiencies and Developing solutions through stakeholder collaboration, including streamlined approvals, single-window systems, and enhanced public-private partnerships. During the event, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised the significance of identifying and developing emerging trends and opportunities within the tourism industry. He highlighted how such initiatives can greatly benefit the country’s economy while fostering stronger social engagement. Minister Herath also stressed the necessity of teamwork across government institutions, underscoring that collaboration will be a cornerstone of the government’s vision for the future. He assured attendees that this vision includes steadfast support for investors, guests, and stakeholders alike. Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe echoed this sentiment, emphasising the crucial role of government institutions in ensuring the success of this significant business opportunity. He underlined the importance of fostering understanding and interaction among government bodies and highlighted the indispensable role of public-private partnerships. According to him, overcoming challenges and achieving success in promoting destination weddings requires close collaboration and dedicated efforts from all stakeholders.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, further emphasised how promoting destination weddings not only serves as a sustainable tourism endeavour but also contributes to social development in the country. He envisioned aligning the wedding tourism industry with broader environmental and community-driven goals.

Adding to the discussion, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, illustrated why Sri Lanka has become one of the most favoured destinations for weddings. He pointed out the versatility of Sri Lanka’s offerings, where wedding themes ranging from cultural and heritage backdrops to nature-inspired settings like forests, beaches, or oceans can be seamlessly promoted. Additionally, Hemant Dadlani, representing the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, presented detailed statistics and data on destination weddings held locally and internationally. His insights shed light on market potential and global trends that could help Sri Lanka effectively position itself as a premier wedding destination.

Attendees discussed barriers faced by wedding planners, from securing permits for heritage and beach venues to handling specialised logistics for international guests. Proposals included introducing special immigration counters, facilitating customs processes for wedding-related items, and setting up a National Destination Weddings Steering Committee to drive initiatives.

The discussions are expected to pave the way for a transparent, efficient, and collaborative framework to promote destination weddings in Sri Lanka. With its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is poised to position itself as a preferred wedding destination, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth.

This discussion marks a vital step toward capitalising on the untapped potential of Sri Lanka’s wedding tourism sector. By fostering collaboration and addressing challenges, Sri Lanka can solidify its reputation as an ideal location for unforgettable weddings.

Sri Lanka is optimistic about achieving 3 million tourist arrival targets in 2025 after the island nation witnessed 500,000 foreign visitors into the country in the first two months.

Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka reached 530,746 up to March 5 of this year with 15.1 percent growth compared to the same period in 2024, official data showed.

The country has seen record tourist arrivals in January and February, surpassing the peak monthly arrivals in those months recorded in 2018.

“Our target for this year is attracting 3 million tourists. Since we have reached 500,000 in both January and February, we should be able to reach this year’s target,” Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said in a recorded video.

“We will be implementing tourism promotion strategies globally in March. With that, we should be able to reach this year’s target.”

Sri Lanka missed the island nation’s 2024 tourist target of 2.3 million, but recorded its third highest annual arrival of 2.05 million in the year with a 38.1 percent growth led by Indians and Russians.

Sri Lanka’s record high tourism arrival of 2,333,796 has been recorded in 2018 followed by 2,116,407 in the previous year.

The island is popular for nature with beaches and tropical climate, with most European and Western tourists choosing it as the key destination during their winter season falling from November to February.

At its peak in 2018, earnings from tourism accounted for 5 percent of the county’s gross domestic product (GDP).

However, the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and high-end hotels in 2019, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as the 2022 economic crisis, hit the country’s hospitality industry.

The island nation witnessed $3.17 billion revenue in 2024, with a 53.2 percent jump compared to $2.07 billion in the previous year.

Building on the strong momentum from 2024’s record-breaking tourist numbers, Sri Lanka has welcomed 485,102 visitors between January 1 and February 27, 2025.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reports that India was the leading source market, contributing 77,381 visitors, followed by the Russian Federation with 63,337, and the United Kingdom with 46,560.

Germany, China, and France were also significant contributors, with 31,770, 28,028, and 27,682 arrivals, respectively.

In February alone, Sri Lanka saw 232,341 tourists, with February 22 marking the peak single-day arrival of 10,815 visitors.

Sri Lanka’s earnings from tourism improved to an estimated 401 million US dollars in January 2025, with arrivals recording the highest monthly level for any of January in the past, according to the country’s Central Bank.

The Central Bank said in a press release issued on Friday night that 252,761 tourist arrivals were recorded in January, reports Xinhua.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said earlier that Sri Lanka targets 3 million tourist arrivals this year.

Classic Travel, one of Sri Lanka’s leading travel solutions providers, has been named the Preferred Sales Agent (PSA) for MSC Cruises, marking an important step in expanding Sri Lanka’s travel options.

This partnership positions Classic Travel as a key player in making luxury cruise experiences more accessible to Sri Lankan travellers.

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise company, boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the-art ships renowned for their innovative design, superior hospitality, and commitment to sustainability. With a strong global presence, the company has received numerous accolades for delivering extraordinary voyages that blend comfort, entertainment, and exploration.

Through this collaboration, Classic Travel gains direct access to MSC Cruises’ online reservation system, allowing travellers to check availability, receive instant quotes, and make bookings seamlessly. Additionally, customers will benefit from personalised local support, ensuring a hassle-free cruise planning experience.

Classic Travel CEO/Director Shiham Imamudeen said: “We are thrilled to be named the Preferred Sales Agent for MSC Cruises in Sri Lanka. This collaboration allows us to bring world-class cruising experiences closer to our customers, offering them a seamless and convenient way to plan their journeys. With MSC Cruises’ exceptional hospitality and our expertise in delivering top-tier travel solutions, we look forward to creating unforgettable cruise experiences for Sri Lankan travellers.”

The appointment further strengthens Classic Travel’s reputation as a premier travel solutions provider in the region. With operations spanning Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE, and backed by the Expolanka Group, the company continues to enhance its portfolio by offering exclusive travel experiences to both leisure and corporate clients.

As Sri Lankan travellers increasingly seek immersive and high-quality holiday experiences, this partnership is set to boost the popularity of cruise vacations, providing customers with more diverse and luxurious travel options.

Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange revenue from tourism rose to $362.1 million in January, rising 34.5 percent compared to the same month last year, the central bank said, quoting tourism promotion authorities.

The revenue in January last year was $269.3 million.

The island nation witnessed $3.17 billion in revenue in 2024, with a 53.2 percent jump compared to $2.07 billion in the previous year, the data showed.

The arrivals also have picked up in the first 44 days of this year with the number of foreign visitors to Sri Lanka rose 19.9 percent to 367,804 through February 13 compared to a year ago.

The arrivals jumped 38.1 percent to 2.05 million in 2024 compared to the previous year. Sri Lanka missed its ambitious 2.3 million tourist arrival target and $5 billion revenue in 2024  .

Sri Lanka’s peak tourism has started and will go until early March.

Tourism accounted for nearly 5 percent of Sri Lanka’s economy when the sector was at its peak in 2018. Since then, it has been hit by violent Easter Sunday suicide attacks in 2019 and Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 followed by an unprecedented economic crisis.

The tourism earnings figure is estimated from a survey conducted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Sri Lanka’s imports and the merchandise trade deficit have gradually picked up as tourism earnings came in and people in the sector spent their wages and other earnings.

KANDY, SRI LANKA – February 12, 2025 – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Indra Traders Pvt Ltd, is expanding its footprint in Sri Lanka’s hill capital with the launch of Kandy Myst by Cinnamon. Opening its doors on February 12, 2025, this vibrant new addition to the brand’s portfolio is set to transform urban hospitality in one of the country’s most culturally rich destinations. This strategic collaboration reflects Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, introducing a fresh, modern experience to Kandy.

With an investment of USD 40 million, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon is designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travellers, offering 215 contemporary rooms—the largest inventory in Kandy. Located on Kandy Katugastota Road, the hotel provides unmatched convenience to the city’s key attractions and transport routes. Guests can expect a seamless blend of modern comfort and the region’s rich cultural heritage, redefining the stay experience in this historic city.

At the heart of the hotel’s experience is its diverse and dynamic culinary offering, setting a new benchmark for dining in Kandy. Grains Dining, the largest buffet restaurant in the city, features up to 500 seats and an extensive selection of local and international cuisine. For those looking to unwind in an elegant setting, the Kosmos Skybar is a standout venue with its stunning infinity pool, signature cocktails, and panoramic rooftop views, creating the perfect backdrop for social gatherings and memorable evenings. Adding a vibrant social hub to the city, Terra Lounge is designed as a walk-in coffee shop, welcoming both in-house guests and visitors from across Kandy. Whether for casual catch-ups, business meetings, or social gatherings, with comfortable seating and a warm, inviting ambience, it is poised to become a go-to spot for professionals, friends, and families looking for a dynamic yet laid-back space to connect.

With its modern design, vibrant social spaces, and exceptional dining experiences, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon is set to redefine hospitality in Sri Lanka’s hill capital, offering a fresh and elevated urban stay in the heart of Kandy.