Colombo Calling: Where History, Culture & Hospitality Converge
UNCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF MODERN SRI LANKA, AND ITS
COLONIAL HERITAGE
There’s a hum that runs through Colombo — a rhythm that blends the old and the new, where heritage façades meet glass-clad modernity, and where the Indian Ocean breeze carries with it the scent of cinnamon, salt, and promise. For event planners and incentive specialists seeking a destination that marries authenticity with sophistication, Sri Lanka’s capital city is calling louder than ever.
This November, inVOYAGE will answer that call. Bringing together the world’s leading event professionals, luxury hoteliers and destination specialists, we’ll take over Colombo for three days of connection, inspiration and discovery — exploring a city whose hospitality legacy runs as deep as its cultural roots.
As we prepare to host our event in this vibrant capital, we’re shining a light on the venues and visionaries that make it so special. From the timeless grandeur of the Galle Face Hotel to the contemporary sophistication of the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and the extraordinary new Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo’s event landscape offers a rare blend of character, capability and charm. Supported by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) — the driving force behind the country’s MICE evolution — these icons together tell the story of a destination ready to welcome the world.
A City with a Story to Tell
Few destinations offer the layered depth of Colombo. Once a key port on the East-West maritime trade route, the city has absorbed centuries of global influence — Portuguese, Dutch, British and beyond — all leaving their imprint on its architecture, cuisine and culture. Yet modern Colombo is decidedly Sri Lankan: dynamic, entrepreneurial and alive with colour.
This duality is what makes it so appealing for international events. Delegates can spend a morning in high-level discussions overlooking the Indian Ocean, then wander through spice-scented markets or colonial arcades by afternoon. The city’s compact layout ensures that every experience — from fine dining to cultural immersion — is within easy reach.
Galle Face Hotel: The Grand Dame of the Indian Ocean
Perched elegantly along Colombo’s seafront since 1864, the Galle Face Hotel is more than a venue — it’s an institution. Once a Dutch villa and later a gathering place for colonial high society, it has evolved into one of Asia’s most storied heritage hotels, gracefully balancing its Victorian charm with modern luxury.
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Originally a Dutch villa known as “Galle Face House”, the property was a social gathering spot for colonial gentlemen before being converted into a hotel.
The hotel opened in 1864, taking its name from the adjacent Galle Face Green — a coastal promenade popular in Victorian times for seaside walks and horse-carriage rides.
By 1894, it had been transformed into a two-storey luxury hotel under architect Edward Skinner. Between 1903-1909, the hotel company acquired surrounding land to expand further.
The property enjoys a long-standing family connection: a shareholder in 1911 was Victor Vicarosso, great-grandfather of the current chairman; the Gardiner family has led the hotel since the 1960s.
The hotel boasts a “Wall of Fame” honouring its distinguished guests — from global leaders and royalty to Hollywood-icons and literary figures — underlining its prestige as a luxury destination.
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Indoor Venues:
Grand Ballroom – The hotel’s largest and most opulent venue; ideal for gala dinners, awards nights, and large-scale corporate gatherings.
Jubilee Ballroom – Elegant mid-size ballroom, suited for conferences, receptions or banquets.
Conference Centre (Level 2) – Purpose-built for modern business meetings and seminars, with flexible breakout spaces.
The Conservatory – Glass-enclosed venue with ocean views, excellent for executive lunches or product launches.
Palm Lounge – Sophisticated, colonial-style lounge perfect for networking cocktails or intimate VIP gatherings.
The Museum – A unique space showcasing the hotel’s history; great for private dinners or storytelling-themed evenings.
Outdoor Venues:
The Verandah – Overlooking the sea; ideal for high-tea events, cocktail evenings, or wellness sessions.
The Chequerboard – The hotel’s signature outdoor space by the ocean; iconic for sunset receptions, weddings, and farewell dinners.
Key Capacities:
Ballroom events up to 300 guests (banquet) / 500 (cocktail).
Oceanfront events accommodate 200–400 guests, depending on setup.
Event Services
Dedicated MICE & Events team with full planning support.
Hybrid meeting facilities available with audiovisual equipment, projectors, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
In-house décor and floral teams, plus partnerships with external event designers and production specialists.
Wellness and recreation add-ons — spa, ocean-view pool, and curated cultural experiences for delegates.
For event planners, the Galle Face is a stage set for storytelling. Its Grand Ballroom — all chandeliers, polished teak and old-world grandeur — is ideal for gala dinners, award nights or heritage-themed receptions. The Chequerboard, its iconic ocean-front terrace, offers one of Colombo’s most spectacular backdrops for cocktails or sunset celebrations, where waves break just metres away.
Add in elegant dining at 1864 Limited Edition, curated local experiences like Sri Lankan cooking classes or private heritage tours, and a MICE-ready infrastructure with modern AV and dedicated event support, and you have a venue that embodies the spirit of “then and now.”
Cinnamon Grand Colombo: Contemporary Excellence at Scale
Just minutes away, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo offers a contrasting but complementary experience. Modern, bustling and brimming with energy, it stands as one of the city’s largest five-star hotels — the heartbeat of Colombo’s business and social scene.
With over 30 event venues, including the impressive Oak Room that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests, the hotel is a natural fit for conferences, product launches, and large-scale incentives. Its distinctive dining portfolio — from the refined seafood at The Lagoon to the vibrant tones of Echo and Nuga Gama — allows planners to craft diverse culinary journeys without leaving the property.
Beyond infrastructure, the Cinnamon brand is synonymous with service innovation. Its team understands the demands of international events, offering tailored experiences and technology-driven event solutions, all within a property that remains proudly Sri Lankan at heart.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau: A Partner in Possibility
Behind Sri Lanka’s growing MICE momentum stands the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) — the national body dedicated to promoting and supporting business events across the island. Working closely with local and international partners, the SLCB ensures organisers have access to the resources, expertise and networks needed to deliver seamless experiences.
For planners exploring Colombo, this means more than logistics support. The Bureau champions sustainability, community engagement and destination storytelling — helping events connect meaningfully with local culture. Whether through CSR opportunities, cultural showcases, or authentic local partnerships, the SLCB is redefining what it means to host with purpose.
Why Colombo, Why Now?
As Sri Lanka’s economy strengthens and global connectivity returns, Colombo’s hospitality scene is entering a new golden age. Its unique blend of heritage, accessibility and heartfelt service positions it among the most exciting emerging destinations for high-end events and incentive travel.
The city’s infrastructure — from world-class hotels to a growing portfolio of contemporary venues — is matched by the warmth of its people and the natural beauty that frames it. In one trip, delegates can move from boardroom to beachfront, from colonial landmarks to lush tea country, all within a few hours.
The Perfect Stage for inVOYAGE
From 9–12 November, as our global luxury events community gathers in Colombo, inVOYAGERS will witness first-hand the city’s distinctive magic: the timeless grace of Galle Face, the modern dynamism of Cinnamon Grand, and the national pride embodied by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
In a world where destinations often compete on spectacle, Colombo wins on soul. It is a city that doesn’t just host events — it tells stories, celebrates heritage, and welcomes you as part of its own narrative.
So, when Colombo calls, it’s not just an invitation — it’s an experience waiting to unfold.