Cinnamon Hotels with SHMA launches Cinnamon Hospitality Academy

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with the Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA), announced the launch of the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy. 

This collaboration aims to elevate the standard of hospitality education in Sri Lanka by offering world-class Swiss hospitality education through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) Professional Diploma.

Students enrolling at the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy will have the unique opportunity to earn a globally recognised qualification from EHL, which has been ranked as the world’s number one university for hospitality management over the years. EHL’s curriculum, rooted in the Swiss Competency Framework, is renowned for producing highly qualified professionals equipped with practical skills and a deep understanding of the industry. 

The VET by EHL programme is available as an 18-month full professional diploma with one year of work experience, totalling two and a half years. The curriculum combines real-world experience, applied management techniques and academic fundamentals, offering three specialised pathways: culinary, F&B service and hotel operations. The apprenticeship model includes an in-depth two-day theoretical and practical learning followed by four days of ‘on-the-job’ training at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo hotels. 

The partnership between SHMA, a subsidiary of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (Baurs) and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector. A. Baur & Company Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director Rolf Blaser commented, “We are excited to announce our synergy with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts to deliver the VET by EHL programmes by the world’s best and number-one hospitality education provider EHL.”

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts CEO Mikael Svensson stated, “The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is not just about bridging the skill gap but will also set new benchmarks in education and training, which will empower both the young and experienced professionals, without having to leave the country.” 

EHL South Asia, Myanmar and Middle East Director and Regional Head Aman Aditya Sachdev commented, “Based on the world-renowned Swiss Competency Framework, the objective of these programmes is to equip youth with the knowledge, competencies and mindset essential for thriving in the global hospitality industry.”