Cinnamon launches largest online wedding competition

Cinnamon Island Weddings in association with SriLankan Airlines is set to promote Sri Lanka as an idyllic destination for weddings and honeymooners – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts takes the charge and initiates the world’s largest online wedding competition. The campaign was launched earlier this month at the World Travel Mart, UK as a competition offering a lucky couple a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their dream wedding in the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, with all expenses covered by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines. From a breathtaking beach-side wedding, to a regal traditional ceremony infused with cultural flair, the winning couple will be able to put together the event of their dreams and say ‘I do’ amidst family and friends. 

As at now, statistics showcase the wedding industry as a growing market which generates an annual revenue of over $ 28 billion with 3-6 million trips taking place annually. Inspired by luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunities, couples are willing to spend significantly more for their weddings and honeymoons than for ordinary holidays. Changing norms and consumer preferences have also contributed to the growth in this sector, such as the desire for guaranteed beautiful weather, the trend to have a memorable wedding in a unique location, and the appeal of the convenience offered through destination wedding packages.

Having identified the potential of this new segment for destination promotion, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has partnered with a series of stakeholders including national carrier SriLankan Airlines, UK-based tour-operator Kouni, wedding and honeymoon online magazines You and Your Wedding & Hitched.co.uk along with award-winning UK wedding photographer David Stanbury and the UK’s largest wedding magazine Confetti. 

Commenting on the campaign, SriLankan Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Siva Ramachandran stated: “The wedding tourism industry is a high potential market that is on a rapid growth trajectory as travel trends show that more and more travellers are leaning towards romantic destination weddings. This campaign introduces a new product for Sri Lanka, which allows the destination to exploit the potential of growth in this market and helps to showcase Sri Lanka’s offering as a vibrant, beautiful and captivating destination for weddings.”

To compete for the grand prize, participants need to register online by sending across an image, written piece or a one-minute video clip that creatively and uniquely describes why they should be the winners of the Cinnamon Island Weddings competition. 

The grand prize will offer the lucky couple business class air tickets and 48 economy class tickets for their family and friends, courtesy of SriLankan Airlines, end-to-end transportation covered in Sri Lanka, full board accommodation at 4 and 5 star Cinnamon resorts in Sri Lanka, a wedding reception complete with décor, entertainment, bridal attire provided by Buddhi Batiks and Hameedia, a 5-karat sapphire ring embed with diamonds provided by Sifani Jewellers and an exotic location to host the wedding. Photography for the entire wedding will be by David Stanbury, award-winning wedding photographer in the UK. The wedding will be planned by professional wedding planners Magical Moments. The couple will also have an opportunity to explore more of Sri Lanka’s diversity with a seven-night honeymoon package courtesy of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

Commenting on the initiative, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Head of Brand Marketing Dileep Mudadeniya stated: “Cinnamon Island Weddings is a novel online concept that will help to create immense hype and excitement around Sri Lanka and strengthen the island’s position as a world-class wedding destination. We have collaborated with the national carrier SriLankan Airlines to offer a once-in-a-lifetime prize that we anticipate will generate the desired interest for this new product vertical.” 

The competition will be judged by a globally recognized and celebrated panel of experts from a cross-section of fields and industries, including award winning photographer David Stanbury, globally acclaimed travel bloggers Dave & Deb of Planet D, renowned singer Alston Koch, along with representatives from Kuoni UK, SriLankan Airlines and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

With its rich natural and historical heritage, beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and trademark warmth and hospitality, Sri Lanka is well-poised to serve as a top-tier location for destination weddings. Its ample greenery, beautiful sunlit shores, impressive biodiversity, coupled with its ever-present tropical charm distinguishes Sri Lanka as a highly desirable location for couples to celebrate the most important chapter of their love stories, as well as the ideal destination to enjoy unforgettable romantic getaways. 

Cinnamon Island Weddings in association with SriLankan Airlines is partnered by Hameedia and Buddhi Batiks as Clothing partners, Sifani Jewellers as Jewellery partner and Magical Moments as the exclusive Wedding planner.