Fairway Colombo: Blending Smart Luxury with Innovation to Celebrate World Tourism Day 2025

Introduction – World Tourism Day & Sri Lanka

World Tourism Day 2025 carries the global theme of ‘Tourism and Peace’, highlighting how travel fosters cultural understanding, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable development. For Sri Lanka, a country where tourism contributes nearly 5% of GDP and supports over 400,000 direct jobs, the occasion is particularly significant. The island nation is targeting to welcome more than 3 million tourists this year, a figure that signals both resilience and opportunity. In this context, Colombo Fort has emerged as a focal point for urban tourism, and at the heart of its revival stands Fairway Colombo. The hotel is not only a place of stay but also a hub of innovation, culture, and community.

Pioneering Robotic Technology in Sri Lanka’s Hospitality

Fairway Colombo proudly holds the title of being Sri Lanka’s first hotel to introduce robotic technology into its daily operations. This bold step places the property alongside global leaders such as Yotel in Singapore and Henn-na Hotel in Japan, where robots have redefined the guest experience. At Fairway Colombo, guests encounter robots assisting with deliveries, providing directions, and enhancing convenience. This is more than a novelty; it represents a shift toward a smarter, more efficient model of hospitality.

The presence of robots allows staff to focus on personalized service—sharing local knowledge, anticipating guest needs, and creating memorable moments. For travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z tourists, the novelty of robotic service becomes part of the storytelling experience. Social media posts of guests interacting with robots often go viral, effectively turning each guest into a brand ambassador. By blending futuristic technology with Sri Lanka’s legendary warmth, Fairway Colombo positions itself as a unique destination within South Asia.

Room service robot R1D1 on it’s way for the delivery

Colombo Fort: Reviving a Cultural Hub

Colombo Fort is one of the most historically rich neighborhoods in the capital, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Its streets carry the legacy of colonial architecture, courthouses, and trading houses that once defined the island’s role as a global crossroads. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in transforming the area into a cultural and lifestyle hub. Fairway Colombo has been at the forefront of this mission, using its strategic location to attract both international and domestic visitors.

Guests at Fairway Colombo are within walking distance of landmarks such as the Old Dutch Hospital, the Central Bank Museum, and the iconic Galle Face Green. The hotel encourages walking tours, heritage trails, and street-side exploration, bringing vibrancy back to Colombo Fort. This aligns seamlessly with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s goals of diversifying urban tourism and showcasing Colombo as more than a gateway—it is a destination in itself.

Fairway Colombo carrying the legacy of colonial architecture

Art & Jazz on the Street – A CSR Initiative with Global Impact

Perhaps the most powerful example of Fairway Colombo’s contribution to tourism and culture is its monthly ‘Art & Jazz on the Street’ festival. Entirely funded and managed by Fairway Holdings and Fairway Colombo, this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project has transformed Hospital Street into an open-air gallery and concert venue. Local painters display their art while live jazz musicians create an atmosphere of celebration and creativity. For visitors, it is a free cultural immersion; for Sri Lankan artists, it is a gateway to international recognition.

The vision for this initiative was first conceived by the late Chairman, Mr. Hemaka De Alwis, and is today carried forward by his son, Mr. Virath De Alwis, Chairman of Fairway Holdings. Their steadfast dedication to the arts has established the group as a distinguished patron of culture. Since its inception, the festival has provided a platform for countless artists and musicians, stimulated business activity in the area, and drawn thousands of visitors to Colombo Fort each year. What began as an event has now grown into a hallmark of the city’s cultural revival. For many emerging talents, the opportunity to present their work here has led to meaningful collaborations, commercial success, and invitations to perform or exhibit on international stages.

A glimpse of the Art and Jazz on the street

Leadership and Dedication to Tourism Growth

The success of Fairway Colombo is the result of strong leadership and dedicated management. Avinga Wanigasekara, Assistant General Manager of Fairway Colombo, has played a pivotal role in aligning operations with the hotel’s promise of smart luxury. His focus on staff training, service quality, and operational efficiency ensures that innovation is matched with reliability. His leadership style emphasizes empowerment, encouraging teams to take ownership and pride in delivering service.

On the marketing front, Sasika Pradeep, Head of Marketing for Fairway Holdings, has ensured that Fairway’s unique positioning reaches global audiences. From digital campaigns that highlight robotic service to media features showcasing Art & Jazz, his strategies have amplified the brand’s reputation. Together, Wanigasekara and Pradeep exemplify how human leadership is essential in driving tourism growth.

Guests enjoying the blend of history and modernity

Fairway Colombo and the Future of Tourism

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is expected to play a central role in economic growth, with 2025–2026 targets emphasizing sustainable development, expanded connectivity, and cultural tourism. Fairway Colombo is poised to contribute meaningfully to these goals by continuing to blend smart luxury with authentic cultural engagement.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is another emerging pillar. From introducing energy-efficient practices to minimizing single-use plastics, Fairway Colombo is aligning itself with global hospitality trends that prioritize eco-conscious travel. As tourists become more aware of their environmental footprint, these practices will enhance the hotel’s appeal.

Moreover, Fairway Colombo’s ability to serve both business and leisure travelers strengthens its long-term positioning. With Colombo Fort evolving as a hub for MICE events, heritage tours, and nightlife, the hotel is uniquely placed to serve as a connector between tradition and innovation.

Looking Ahead

On this World Tourism Day, Fairway Colombo reflects on its journey as more than a hotel. It is a pioneer of robotic hospitality, a patron of the arts, and a driver of cultural revival in Colombo Fort. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and vision—an example of how the private sector can shape national tourism narratives. As global travelers arrive in Sri Lanka, they will not only find beaches and heritage but also a modern city experience anchored by hotels like Fairway Colombo. Here, technology meets tradition, and community meets commerce. It is a blueprint for how Sri Lanka can position itself as a destination of the future.