In discussion with Samrat Datta – Area Director Taj Maldives and Sri Lanka, General Manager Taj Samudra Colombo

India is the top source market for Sri Lanka. How has Taj Samudra capitalized on this, and what strategies are you implementing to further attract Indian travelers?

At Taj Samudra, we’ve strategically adapted to meet the evolving preferences of Indian travelers. Leveraging our robust sales network across India, we actively engage with our audience through social media, offering enticing packages and unique experiences. Our digital transformation, including mobile apps and an optimized online booking system, has streamlined guest interactions and enhanced the overall experience. The launch of our group loyalty program, Tata Neu, with over 5 million members, has been particularly exciting. Through this platform, we regularly promote special offers to a vast client base.

How do you perceive the current demand for Colombo as a destination, particularly in comparisonto where tourism was just 20 months ago?

Before 2023, we grappled with the several challenges of a volatile global environment ranging from a pandemic to a serious economic turndown. Despite these hurdles, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, with earnings surpassing $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024-a 78% year-on-year increase, according to the Central Bank. Colombo shines as an ideal destination for leisure and business travelers alike, offering rich cultural experiences, and robust infrastructure with modern amenities. At Taj Samudra we have seen a reflection of this positive journey and catered to the growing numbers of Corporate, MICE as well as Leisure segments.

Have you noticed any shifts in the type of guests or the length of their stays?
Colombo is the central hub for business activities, conferences, and sports events in the country.

It acts as both a gateway and a stopover point for international tourists, creating a favorable environment for hotels. The normal length of stay ranges between 2 to 4 nights which is almost the same as previous years.

At Taj Samudra, we strive to create a home-away-from-home experience for our guests. This commitment not only enhances guest satisfaction but also positively influences both guest movement and the length of their stays.

With the entrance of more properties into the city of Colombo, how does Taj Samudradifferentiate itself to maintain its market position?

In Colombo, we’re witnessing significant growth in the hospitality industry with the emergence of new properties. I believe that maintaining healthy competition among hotels is crucial for both consumers and operators. It ensures that guests receive the best value for their money and high-quality service, while also allowing operators to achieve fair profitability.

Taj Samudra is distinguished by its service philosophy of Tajness, focused on providing personalized experiences that celebrate local culture, ensuring that guests feel valued at every destination, we follow the highest standards of food production and our Chefs uphold the reputation of being the best in terms of quality, taste and value.

We are committed to continuous improvement through cross-exposure training and comprehensive programs tailored to specific hotel needs. Our staff recognition programs highlight our commitment to service excellence… All of the above gives us a unique entity characterized by ‘Tajness’, and that sets us apart from all others.

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of hotel rooms available in Colombo. How has this impacted your occupancy rates, and what adjustments have you made to stay competitive?

I agree with your observation. While the number of hotel rooms in Colombo has increased, we have a loyal guest base that chooses to stay at Taj for their vacations, meetings, and business gatherings.

We ensure that their experience is exceptional from the moment they arrive until they check out, which is why we have many regular, long-stay guests. Despite the challenges, there are also significant opportunities. By leveraging our strong brand reputation and service philosophy, we aim to capitalize on the city's growing appeal to tourists. We are implementing revenue strategies to effectively manage seasonal fluctuations and maintain our fair share.

What role does Taj Samudra play in promoting Colombo as a destination, and how do you collaborate with local tourism bodies to boost the city’s appeal

Colombo is a key destination for leisure and business travelers alike. At Taj Samudra Colombo, we actively promote the city’s cultural richness, tourist attractions and authentic cuisine through social media, engaging with travelers worldwide.

Looking ahead, we aim to stay committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. We work closely with government health authorities to ensure the topmost levels of safety of our guests and staff. Additionally, we partner with local and international organizations to host tourism and MICE promotions, strengthening our ties with local tourism bodies and showcasing the unique Taj experience.

Are there any new developments, renovations, or services planned at Taj Samudra to enhance guest experiences in response to the growing competition?

In July, we proudly opened our newly refurbished banqueting space, now known as ‘Anthurium,’ formerly ‘On Golden Pond.’ Last year we completely renovated our Grand Marquee replacing the old with a brand new state of the art German marquee.

Additionally, we have revitalized our swimming pool area, which features a relaunched pool bar and Sheesha offerings, a perfect setting to relax with family and friends.
We have a phase wise renovation plan wherein we undertake several renovation and refurbishment projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance the guest experience and uphold the highstandards of our brand.

Given the evolving preferences of travelers, especially from key markets like India, how do you see the future of Colombo’s hospitality industry shaping up, and what role will Taj Samudra play in it?

The hospitality industry, both an economic and social force, has experienced continuous growth and diversification. In Colombo, it’s a vital economic driver, and its momentum shows a very positive force.

For 40 years, Taj Samudra has been a pillar of excellence in this vibrant city. We take pride in offering exceptional service and a diverse culinary experience. Our renowned restaurants include YUMI for exquisite Japanese cuisine, Navratna for authentic Indian dishes, and Golden Dragon for Chinese fare, beloved by both Indian and international guests. Our service philosophy aka Tajness is a key differentiator and a prime reason why we have a strong base of loyal guests who ascertain our commitment to ‘sincere care’ which is felt even with your eyes closed.

As an extremely coveted, loved and recognized hotel of Colombo, we elevate guest experiences through continuous innovation, leveraging expertise across our organization, partnerships with artisans and local community.