Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Introduces UPI Payments in Sri Lanka, Redefining Travel Ease for Indian Travellers

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has introduced UPI payments across its portfolio in Sri Lanka and Maldives, allowing Indian travellers to pay using their existing UPI apps while travelling in these destination.

New Payment Option:
Guests from India can now pay seamlessly using their existing UPI apps across Cinnamon’s portfolio in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Convenience:
Eliminates the need for currency exchange, cash handling, or international card usage — reducing friction for Indian travellers.

Portfolio Reach:
Cinnamon operates 17 properties across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, including city hotels, beach resorts, cultural stays, and wildlife lodges.

Market Focus:
India is Sri Lanka’s largest inbound tourism market, with strong demand for leisure travel, destination weddings, and MICE.

Strategic Insight:
CEO Hishan Singhawansa emphasized at OTM 2026 that Indian travellers prioritize ease and familiarity alongside experiences. UPI adoption is a practical response to how Indian travellers already live and spend.

Flagship Development:
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka (a US$1.2 billion integrated resort) is central to their India-focused strategy, attracting MICE groups, weddings, and leisure travellers.

Broader Vision:
Payment infrastructure is now seen as part of the overall travel experience, not just a back-end function, aligning with digital-first expectations of Indian travellers.

Strategic Context
This move positions Sri Lanka as a digitally convenient destination for Indian outbound travellers, combining proximity, diverse experiences, and now seamless payment options. It’s a smart way to make the country more attractive compared to other regional competitors.