Cinnamon Hotel & Resorts and Walkers Tours have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC SL), bringing two of the country’s established travel brands into closer alignment with the national sporting body.

The agreement names Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as Official Hospitality Partner to NOC SL and Walkers Tours as Official Transportation Partner. The objective is to ensure that international teams, officials, and Olympic-affiliated delegations arriving in Sri Lanka are supported by a coordinated hospitality and mobility framework.

For Sri Lanka, the timing is notable. As destinations in Asia compete for tournaments, training camps, and multi-sport events, the ability to offer dependable accommodation and transport has become central to winning bids and building credibility.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will extend preferential accommodation rates to delegations visiting through NOC SL and curate hosting packages for official functions, subject to availability. Its properties will also serve as venues for press conferences and related engagements conducted under Olympic protocols.

Walkers Tours will handle transportation and destination management services, offering discounted rates and logistical support for visiting teams and officials. The company is also expected to support major sporting engagements facilitated by NOC SL.

“Sport and travel are closely linked, particularly at the international level,” said Hishan Singhawansa, CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. “When national teams and officials travel, they expect efficiency and convenience. Through this partnership, we are formalizing our role in supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting calendar with the right hospitality infrastructure.”

“As the National Olympic Committee, our mission extends beyond preparing athletes for competition, we are committed to creating an environment where international sporting communities feel welcomed and supported. This partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Walkers Tours strengthens our operational readiness, ensuring that accommodation, transport, and event coordination meet the highest standards. Together, we are advancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism and global sporting events”, said Secretary General of NOC Sri Lanka, Mr. Rifdy Fahmy during the signing.

Beyond operations, the partnership includes joint promotional and media initiatives aimed at positioning Sri Lanka as a viable destination for international sporting events and athlete travel. Cinnamon will receive acknowledgment across NOC SL’s official communications, including digital platforms and event publications.

As sports tourism gains traction across the region, the collaboration is a practical approach aligns established private-sector operators with the national sports body to create a clear, consistent offering for international stakeholders. For Sri Lanka, the ambition is to convert sporting engagement into sustained visitor flows, and long-term value for both tourism and sport.