Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts goes global with ‘GHA DISCOVERY’ loyalty program

Thursday, 6 February 2025 04:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Joins world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with portfolio of over 800 properties across 40 brands in 100 countries and over 30 million members

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is going global by joining the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands’ Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY loyalty program.

The ground-breaking initiative will position Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts among a portfolio of over 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries, offering meaningful rewards and benefits to GHA’s 30 million members. One loyalty point equals to $ 1 and members progress in four tiers based on points earned. Members enjoy room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, dining, spa treatments or other indulgences among exciting rewards. Members are able to earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) across the global collection which now includes Cinnamon properties.

“This move not only elevates Cinnamon’s brand but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s standing as a premier destination for global travellers, giving them more reasons to choose Sri Lanka over competing destinations,” said Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Chief Executive Officer Mikael Svensson.

Nine of the 17 Cinnamon properties have joined the GHA DISCOVERY already while the rest will be on boarded by end March. Existing partners are Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Bentota Beach Resort – Signature Collection, other properties at Yala, Habarana and Trinco, as well as three resorts in the Maldives.

Svensson said 20% of bookings for Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is via online and joining the GHA DISCOVERY will be a further boost.

“Being part of the world’s largest independent loyalty program alliance will be a further reassurance for our growing clientele about the world class quality and experiences Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts can give,” he added.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Hishan Singhawansa said GHA and Cinnamon share the same philosophy. “GHA DISCOVERY is an effective and competitive platform to showcase not only the Company’s properties but also Sri Lanka and the unique experiences the country and the hotels have to offer. It also gives us an opportunity to scale regionally and globally,” he added.

Of the 30 million members, over half a million are based in India, which is a key tourism market for Sri Lanka and Cinnamon has dedicated sales offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.