Galadari Hotel in Colombo is in talks with Radisson Blu, an internationally reputed hotel brand, to manage its 450-room property. According to recent media reports, discussions have been ongoing for a few months, though a final decision is yet to be made.
The upmarket Galadari Hotel was to undergo a major refurbishment in the first quarter of 2020. The revamp included the rooms in the first phase, and lobby, reception, shops and the restaurants in the second phase. The refurbishment was supposed to be completed by March 2021.
The total cost of the planned refurbishment of Galadari Hotel in Colombo is estimated to be around $15 million.
However, media reports indicate that investors, Galadari Brothers, were not satisfied with the proposed new look of the mock-up rooms and architecture, and hence are exploring alternative options, a deal with Radisson Blu being one of them. Notably, Galadari Brothers and Radisson have an existing relationship in the Middle East.
Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest hotel groups, with seven distinctive hotel brands with more than 1,100 hotels globally. Its portfolio of hotel brands includes: Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
Sri Lanka tourism is struggling due to the twin shock of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Industry experts believe if Galadari succeeds in finalising the deal with Radisson Blu, it will be a big boost for Sri Lanka tourism’s improving profile in terms of entry of world-renowned hotel brands.
Based in the UAE for over 50 years, Galadari Brothers invested in Sri Lanka in the Galadari Hotel Colombo in 1984 and commenced operations in 1986. The group has strong interest in food and beverage, travel and hospitality, real estate, automobiles, heavy equipment, investments and media in the Gulf region to Asia and Australia.
