Cinnamon Life will welcome celebrity chef Australia George Calombaris to the property later this year. He will be in Sri Lanka from June 8th-11th, giving a lucky few an exclusive opportunity to dine, learn and interact with the globally reputed chef.

Influential tourism experts, innovators and international thought leaders are set to explore future travel and tourism trends at the PATA Annual Summit 2017 in Negombo, Sri Lanka. The Pacific Asia Travel Association has gathered a diverse and dynamic line up of speakers and panellists to share their insights and knowledge at the one-day conference that forms an integral element at this year’s summit.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has opened a strikingly-modern property in Colombo, introducing a unique hospitality concept that brings attitude and altitude to the Sri Lankan capital. The 24-floor Mövenpick Hotel Colombo is the first international five-star property to open in the city in 25 years, a milestone that reflects the country’s new-found energy and optimism.

With its panoramic views of the Indian Ocean in a defined casual-chic setting, Sea Spray introduces an exclusive alfresco dining experience to Colombo. Inspired by European seafronts, the atmosphere is refined but relaxed, with seamless understated service. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole calls in for dinner.

The first Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference concluded earlier in an atmosphere of optimism moderated by caution. Over the past two days several of Asia’s leading hotel investors from 19 countries discussed the investment potential of Sri Lanka and other destinations around the Indian Ocean from Mauritius and the Seychelles to Malaysia and Vietnam.

A report into Sri Lanka’s tourism has confirmed that the Indian Ocean island currently offers some of the region’s best opportunities for investment. The report – produced by Euromonitor International - is not uncritical: infrastructure still needs to be improved; airport capacity is lagging behind demand and telecom connectivity is still a problem. But it goes on to say that these issues are being addressed by a Sri Lankan government that has realised the golden opportunity that tourism offers the island as it emerges from years of conflict.