Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality group with 17 luxury properties across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, has announced the appointment of Gaurav Arora as Director of Global Sales for India, effective 3 March 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance Cinnamon’s brand presence, market expansion, and partnership development in India, which remains one of the largest source markets for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

With over 20 years of experience in global hospitality sales, Gaurav Arora has been instrumental in driving outbound business for renowned hotel brands such as Shangri-La, Hilton, and Marriott International. In his most recent role, he led Enhance Hospitality, a luxury hotel representation firm, successfully managing top-tier international brands in the Indian market. His deep understanding of sales strategy and market trends will play a crucial role in strengthening Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ foothold in India.

Expanding Cinnamon’s Market Reach in India

In his new role, Gaurav Arora will be responsible for driving revenue growth across the Corporate, Leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments. He will oversee the execution of strategic sales initiatives and foster strong partnerships through the Global Sales Office, ensuring Cinnamon’s continuous market expansion in India.

Commenting on the appointment, Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, stated:

“We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts at a pivotal time when we are focused on expanding our sales presence in the Indian market—our top source for tourist arrivals. His deep knowledge of the Indian outbound travel industry will enable us to strengthen our partnerships and drive meaningful engagement across Corporate, MICE, and Leisure travel segments.”

Strengthening Presence in India’s Outbound Travel Market

Gaurav Arora, expressing his enthusiasm for the role, said:

“I am excited to join Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as Indian outbound travel to Sri Lanka and the Maldives continues to grow significantly. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to enhance Cinnamon’s brand visibility and drive strategic initiatives that align with its long-term success in India.”

Recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s top hospitality groups, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Global Sales presence across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. These dedicated sales offices, staffed by experienced hospitality professionals, play a key role in facilitating trade and consumer engagement while strengthening strategic alliances with India’s leading travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate clients.

India: A Key Market for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Growth

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Indian outbound travel market has seen substantial growth, with Sri Lanka emerging as a preferred destination for Indian travelers due to its proximity, affordability, and cultural appeal. The Maldives, another key region for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, continues to attract high-end leisure and honeymoon travelers from India.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ continued investment in India’s growing outbound tourism reflects its commitment to sustainable market expansion. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Tourism Promotion Bureau have also emphasized India’s strategic importance in positioning Sri Lanka as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.

A Leadership Move to Strengthen Cinnamon’s Global Growth

As Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to position itself as a preferred luxury hospitality brand for Indian travelers, the appointment of Gaurav Arora underscores its dedication to strengthening its competitive edge in the Indian market. His leadership will drive sustainable growth, strategic collaborations, and increased engagement across Corporate, Leisure, and MICE travel.

With India’s outbound tourism sector projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to leverage this momentum and expand its market footprint, further reinforcing its leadership in the hospitality industry across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

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