With over five decades of heritage woven into Sri Lanka’s hospitality story, Jetwing Hotels continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Hashan Cooray, Director, Marketing and Development, Jetwing Hotels, offers a deep dive into the brand’s journey, its iconic properties, its focus on Indian travellers, sustainability-driven growth, and a vision shaped by legacy and innovation.
Pioneers of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels comprises over 30 unique resorts and villas spread across 12 incredible destinations on the emerald isle of Sri Lanka – from the golden sands of the coastline and the mist-laden hills of Sri Lanka to the cityscapes of Colombo and the wilderness of Yala.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Jetwing Hotels began as a modest six-room property on the golden shores of Negombo, but from those humble beginnings, a legacy was born. Hashan Cooray’s grandfather, Herbert, founded Jetwing in 1973, and the company has grown to become one of the most respected hospitality brands in the country, a leader in sustainable tourism, with over 50 years of experience in delivering authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to travellers from around the world. Despite the growth, they never strayed from the core vision that Hashan’s grandfather laid down: to care deeply for their people, their communities, and every guest who walks through their doors.
“Hospitality, for us, goes beyond comfort; it is about creating service that becomes legendary. That ambition to consistently deliver something remarkable is what drives every Jetwing experience today,” asserted Hashan.
As a third-generation hotelier, Hashan’s journey has been about moving forward while staying grounded in the legacy he has inherited. He shared, “We are proud of our 52-year legacy, but we have never been static. Our focus has been on adapting to modern travel trends, whether in design, digital presence, or experiences, while consistently showcasing the best of Sri Lanka. We evaluate each decision through one guiding principle: preserving our soul even as we transform.”
Jetwing’s New Portfolio Structure
Jetwing properties are known for their individuality and immersive experiences in diverse regions. They recently announced a strategic portfolio restructure, introducing four distinct categories to better reflect evolving traveller preferences. Hashan explained that this shift was driven by the brand’s rapid growth over the past decade and a desire to offer greater clarity to both partners and guests. He mentioned, “Many in key markets like India only associated Jetwing with larger hotels, unaware of our growing portfolio of boutique hotels, villas, and other specialised properties. This new categorisation into distinct tiers helps articulate our breadth and assures travellers that Jetwing delivers the best of Sri Lanka across every segment.”
To elaborate, Jetwing Luxury Reserves epitomise indulgence. Crafted for discerning travellers seeking unparalleled exclusivity and personalised experiences, this segment features their five-star flagship properties, such as Jetwing Saman Villas, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, Jetwing Surf and Safari, Jetwing Lagoon, and the recently opened heritage boutique villa Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa in Rambukkana, etc. Jetwing Premium Hotels is a collection of elegant four-star and five-star properties, including Jetwing Blue in Negombo, Jetwing Colombo Seven, and Jetwing Jaffna, among others. Each offers full-service accommodation and modern amenities. Their categories of Select Hotels, on the other hand, bridge the gap between value and comfort, while Essentials cover budget-friendly travel.
Making Indian Travellers Feel at Home
With travel between Sri Lanka and India becoming more accessible and frequent, Indian travellers are emerging as one of Jetwing’s most valued guest segments. We asked Hashan what truly resonates with these guests when they choose to stay in Sri Lanka. Hashan responded, “Indian travellers are highly discerning, and they particularly value our service, which is warm, intuitive, and consistently respectful of their food preferences and cultural sensitivities. But beyond that, it is the diversity we offer: romantic escapes, family-friendly retreats, scenic hideaways across beaches, tea country, paddy fields, cultural hotspots, and wildlife parks. Every Jetwing property tells a different story.”
With Sri Lanka emerging as a preferred destination for Indian weddings, Hashan recommends some exceptional properties for couples planning their big day. He shared, “For intimate, one-of-a-kind weddings, Jetwing Saman Villas in Bentota is unmatched; it is romantic, exclusive, and particularly appealing to the Indian audience, having featured in The Night Manager with Anil Kapoor and other stars. For grand beachfront celebrations, Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle and Jetwing Blue in Negombo are excellent choices. If couples want a lush, inland setting, the lakeside lawn at Jetwing Lake offers something uniquely serene.”
India and Beyond
India remains one of Jetwing’s top priority markets, both from B2B and B2C perspectives. The brand works closely with its Sri Lankan DMC partners to ensure the Indian travel trade receives the most competitive terms, building confidence and encouraging strong promotion. Jetwing’s approach is rooted in long-term relationships and mutual growth, supported by targeted campaigns and consistent engagement with key Indian partners across various cities.
Beyond India, Jetwing is also witnessing encouraging growth from markets such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Malaysia, regions that historically contributed less traffic. Improved air connectivity, combined with growing awareness of Sri Lanka’s rich diversity, is helping convert these into high-potential, short-haul markets. They are promising markets for continued expansion.
Holistic Approach to Tourism
While each property under the brand is built on the promise of providing the finest Sri Lankan hospitality with authentic island experiences, Jetwing is committed to community empowerment, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of its philosophies.
“Sustainability for us is not just environmental. It is also deeply social. Our Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP) is one of our proudest initiatives, having trained nearly 1,500 young people from underprivileged communities at no cost, empowering them with careers in hospitality. On the environmental side, our investments in green technology, from vapour absorption chillers and biogas to over 2.6 MW of solar installations, now power nearly 70 per cent of our entire group’s energy needs.”
From coastal retreats to cultural heartlands, Jetwing Hotels has travelled across the island and discovered some truly spectacular locations that deserve to be shared with the world. He added, “Our strategy is to bring sustainable tourism to lesser-known areas, helping distribute economic benefits more equitably and easing pressure on over-touristed spots. Whether it is restoring a colonial mansion or building a beachfront escape from scratch, we want each project to reflect its surroundings authentically.”
Looking ahead, Jetwing is expanding into lifestyle offerings, including a flagship beach club and a residential coastal development near Negombo – ideal for travellers, especially Indians, seeking a second home with the spirit of a resort.
