Cinnamon Treasure Hunt 2015, a mega familiarisation tour for French travel agents, is underway, hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Sri Lankan Airlines and Walkers Tours. 

The program has partnered with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, during the East Coast leg of its five-day tour. 

A group of 63 key travel agents from France were hosted at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon while they visited key locations in the area following an eventful tour of Polonnaruwa, Minneriya and Sigiriya. 

During their stay in Trincomalee, a crucial networking opportunity was created via a one on one ‘speed dating’ workshop held in Batticaloa on 13 October for 80 service providers from the region. 

The local stakeholders including hoteliers from the SME sector were afforded the opportunity to showcase their products to the highly relevant audience and make valuable direct business contacts for the first time on home soil.  The travel agents were privy to a detailed presentation highlighting the tourism activities in the East. 

French travellers are amongst the top five markets for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. The Cinnamon Treasure Hunt aims to equip a carefully selected group of leading French travel agents with a more informed understanding of the country’s offerings and build a lasting impression.

Speaking on the benefit to the local industry, Kanchana Abeywickrama, Associate Operations Officer, IFC said, “Our partnership with Cinnamon Hotels forms part of a larger IFC program to boost sustainable tourism in the East while supporting small businesses and economic growth. Programs such as this are critical to raising awareness on the attractions and services available in the East.”