Cinnamon Bay Beruwela one of the best - Chevalaz

Shirajiv Sirimane

Having worked in prestigious global hotel chains all over the world, the new General Manager of Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala, Christine Chevalaz singles out Cinnamon Bay Beruwela as one of the best properties she has worked for. “It’s a newly built hotel in a prime location facing the Indian Ocean and it has tremendous potential for the future,” she said airing her views to the Expat Chit Chat column.

She said that she joined the hotel last November and it was a very easy working for a large conglomerate, John Keells as they were always ready to accept new ideas and implement them. Studying in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh for five years before moving to the leisure sector, she said that the property has already made a huge impact and they maintain high occupancy rates despite being the off-season and predicted that they would maintain an average 80 % during the season.

“We are hoping to maintain a 71% YoY occupancy. Beruwala has been a profitable hotel throughout, and this year we expect an increase in our growth.General Manager Christine Chevalaz has worked in the hospitality sector for 28 years in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. She shares her thoughts with the Daily News Business.

Q: How did you find this opportunity?

A: Employees in the leisure sector are always moving around and are on the look out for opportunities and when I heard that there was an opening here I decided to take it and move in .

Q: How do you review this property?

A: Its one of the best properties I have worked for and its close proximity to the city makes it more attractive. The specialty restaurants make the guest stay more in the hotel as they want to experience them.

The hotel is also now attracting high end travellers from China, India, Russia, Ukraine and also India. This in addition to our strong European and UK markets.

Since we offer more than value for money we expect a high ratio of repeaters in the future.

Our high class conference, banquet facilities which has a capacity to cater to around 250 people would also bring in additional revenue with MICE business as well. Once again the close proximity to the city would be tremendous advantage for us.

Q:What are your future plans for the hotel?

A: The facilities and services here are similar to any world class property that may belong to famed chains such as Sheraton or Hilton.

But we give special treatment that these chains cannot offer.

One reason is the dedicated staff and the other is that I can implement new ideas from my previous experiences, as I am given a free hand by the management.

We are looking to expand our restaurant areas and also upgrade the swimming pool and these would be ready by next August.

I am also planning to host some high profile personalities form France to give additional marketing mileage to the hotel.

Q: What is your experience working with a local staff?

A:They have a lot of experience and it’s truly an asset. Their training is of high standard and I am proud of that and it makes our plan execution easier.

Q: How do you see Sri Lanka as a destination?

A: With the ending of hostilities Sri Lanka is a destination much talked of globally. Today Sri Lanka is a major player in the global tourism area.

The infrastructure is getting in to place and with the opening of the Hambantota Airport and new destination has been created.

I also see the diversified culture and religion in Sri Lanka and admire them all living in peace and harmony.

Q: What are the gray areas you have observed?

A: More destination marketing is needed. Though roads are being built the authorities should speed by proceedings.

Q: What are the places you like to visit in Sri Lanka?

A: I liked Cinnamon Wild which gave me a complete difference experience. Also Habarana gave me another experience. I am eagerly looking to visit the East coast.

Q: What do you miss in Sri Lanka?

A: Well it’s my family and some times Italian food. Though I like food, I am a bad cook.