A WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER: AMARI COLOMBO TAKES HOME TOP HONOURS AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2026
Mr Graham Cooke, the Founder and President of the World Travel Awards. presenting the award to Mr Indika Jayawardena Hotel Manager of Amari Colombo
Amari Colombo marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a significant international accolade, once again being named Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel at the 33rd Annual World Travel Awards. The hotel retained the prestigious title for the second consecutive year, strengthening its position within Sri Lanka’s competitive hospitality sector and adding another important achievement to its growing list of accolades. The award was announced on Sunday, 27th September 2026, at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives, which brought together prominent names from across the region’s travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The consecutive recognition is particularly significant for Amari Colombo as the property continues to establish itself as an upper upscale business and lifestyle destination in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital. Located on Galle Road overlooking the Indian Ocean, the hotel combines the warmth of Thai hospitality with Sri Lankan character, offering accommodation, dining, leisure, meetings and business facilities for local and international guests.
A Proud Moment for the Amari Colombo Team
Reflecting on the moment the hotel was announced as Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel for a second year, Indika Jayawardena, Hotel Manager of Amari Colombo, described the recognition as a source of immense pride and gratitude. “When our name was called out for the second consecutive year, there was an immediate sense of pride and gratitude. Awards such as this are never about one person or one department. They represent the collective effort of every colleague who comes to work each day determined to create meaningful experiences for our guests,” he said. Jayawardena added that receiving the honour alongside some of the most respected names in Sri Lankan hospitality made the achievement particularly meaningful, demonstrating that the experience Amari Colombo is creating is resonating with guests and the wider tourism industry.
Recognition and Responsibility
For Monty Ariyaratne, General Manager of Amari Colombo, the consecutive win represents both an achievement and a responsibility to continue evolving. “Winning Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel for the second consecutive year is an incredible honour for everyone at Amari Colombo. It is a recognition of the trust placed in us by our guests, partners and industry colleagues, and of the commitment demonstrated by our entire team,” he said. Ariyaratne noted that receiving the recognition on World Tourism Day made the occasion especially significant, highlighting the important role tourism and hospitality play in connecting people, cultures and destinations. “We celebrate this moment, but we also see it as motivation to raise the bar even further,” he added, thanking the World Travel Awards and the Amari Colombo team for their contribution to the achievement.
A Global Benchmark for Tourism Excellence
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrates excellence across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Its annual programme recognises leading destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators and tourism organisations around the world.
The programme includes a series of regional ceremonies, with regional winners progressing towards the annual Grand Final. Over more than three decades, the awards have developed considerable recognition within the international travel industry. For Amari Colombo, the 2026 title represents another milestone since its opening and reinforces its growing presence within Colombo’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Celebrating World Tourism Day
As destinations around the world marked World Tourism Day, Amari Colombo celebrated its achievement as a reflection of the people behind the hotel and the experiences they create. Guided by the philosophy of “Thai hospitality meets Sri Lankan soul”, Amari Colombo continues to bring together international hospitality standards and local character. Winning Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel for the second consecutive year gives the team another reason to celebrate, while providing fresh motivation to continue welcoming travellers, creating meaningful connections and delivering memorable experiences in the heart of Colombo.
Happy to receive the award
