March 4, 2025 | Press Release

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka’s largest hospitality group, has taken a significant step to reinforce its presence in the Indian market with the appointment of seasoned hospitality professional Gaurav Arora as Director of Global Sales for India, effective March 3, 2025. This move underscores Cinnamon’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India, a key source market for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

A Hospitality Veteran Joins Cinnamon
With over two decades of experience in international hospitality sales, Arora has an impressive track record of driving outbound business for global hotel giants such as Shangri-La, Hilton, and Marriott International. Most recently, he helmed Enhance Hospitality, a luxury hotel representation firm, where he played a pivotal role in managing top-tier international brands in the Indian market.

Arora’s expertise in sales strategy, market expansion, and partnership development positions him as a valuable asset for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as it seeks to bolster its engagement with Indian travellers across Corporate, Leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments.

Strategic Expansion in India
In his new role, Arora will lead revenue growth initiatives, execute sales strategies, and foster key partnerships to enhance Cinnamon’s brand presence in India. His appointment aligns with the group’s broader strategy to tap into the rising demand for luxury and leisure travel from India to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, expressed confidence in Arora’s leadership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Gaurav at a pivotal time as we expand our sales efforts in India, which remains our top source market for tourist arrivals. His deep understanding of the Indian outbound travel landscape will be instrumental in strengthening our presence and building meaningful partnerships across Corporate, MICE, and Leisure travel segments.”

Arora, equally enthusiastic about his new role, highlighted the growth potential in the Indian market. “I am excited to join Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts at a time when Indian outbound travel to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is witnessing remarkable growth. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to expand our brand presence and drive strategic success in India.”

Strengthening India Operations
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has already established a strong foothold in India with Global Sales offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. These dedicated teams of experienced hospitality professionals play a crucial role in engaging with trade and consumer segments while fostering strategic collaborations with key industry stakeholders.

As Cinnamon continues to position itself as a preferred choice for Indian travellers, Arora’s appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and consolidating its leadership in the competitive Indian outbound travel market.