Cinnamon Grand Colombo has once again reinforced its standing as one of South Asia’s leading hospitality destinations, securing two Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, held in the Maldives. The three accolades recognise the hotel’s excellence in hospitality leadership, emerging talent and food and beverage experiences.
Recognising excellence in hospitality leadership, Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, was awarded Gold for Best General Manager in South Asia. The recognition celebrates his leadership, strategic vision and commitment to maintaining the hotel’s position as a prominent name in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. Under his guidance, Cinnamon Grand Colombo continues to strengthen its reputation for service excellence, guest experiences and innovation while nurturing a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
Adding to the hotel’s achievements, Gayani Punchihewa received the Gold Award for Best Young Hotelier in South Asia, recognising emerging leadership talent and the contributions of the next generation of hospitality professionals. This accolade further reflects Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s commitment to developing talent and creating opportunities for young professionals to excel within the hospitality industry.
The hotel also secured the Silver Award for Best Food & Beverage Hotel in South Asia, acknowledging its diverse culinary offerings and commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences. With an extensive collection of restaurants and dining venues, Cinnamon Grand Colombo has established itself as a leading culinary destination in the heart of Colombo. From authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and international flavours to signature dining experiences and culinary collaborations, the hotel continues to bring together exceptional food, service and hospitality.
Commenting on the achievements, Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, stated:
“Receiving these three accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards is a proud moment for all of us at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. While I am personally honoured to receive the Gold Award for Best General Manager in South Asia, I consider this recognition a reflection of the collective commitment, passion and hard work of our entire team. Hospitality is fundamentally about people, and our success is built on the dedication of individuals who consistently go beyond expectations to create meaningful experiences for our guests
I am equally proud of Gayani’s achievement, which demonstrates the importance of recognising and nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Our recognition in the food and beverage category further reinforces the strength of our culinary teams and the diverse dining experiences we offer. These awards motivate us to continue raising standards, developing our people and strengthening Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s position as an iconic hospitality destination in Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region.”
The South Asian Travel Awards is a prominent regional recognition platform celebrating outstanding achievements across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Bringing together leading hospitality brands and professionals from across South Asia, the awards recognise excellence in service, leadership, innovation and guest experiences.
For Cinnamon Grand Colombo, these achievements represent more than individual accolades. They reflect the hotel’s continued commitment to developing hospitality professionals, enhancing its culinary offerings and delivering experiences that connect people, cultures and communities.
As an established landmark in Colombo’s hospitality landscape, Cinnamon Grand Colombo continues to build on its legacy while embracing new opportunities to strengthen its position as a leading destination for accommodation, dining, celebrations and memorable experiences.
