Global hospitality leader Minor Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Dueker as Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, effective September 2025.

With more than 20 years of international experience, Christoph has worked with some of the world’s most respected luxury and lifestyle hotel brands across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Having started his career with Four Seasons, he has held senior management positions with Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, and Marina Bay Sands, among others. His leadership style combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place, creating hotels that are both high-performing and deeply connected to their local communities. His focus on guest-centric innovation, destination-inspired design, and meaningful community engagement has consistently translated into elevated experiences and sustainable performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Christoph said, “I’m truly excited to be in Sri Lanka and to work with the talented teams at Anantara and Avani Kalutara. Both resorts have distinctive personalities: one a peaceful Sir Geoffrey Bawa–inspired luxury sanctuary, the other a vibrant lifestyle beach escape. My focus will be on strengthening their individual character while deepening their connection to this beautiful destination.”

Nicholas Smith, Vice President Operations – Asia, at Minor Hotels, added: “We are delighted to welcome Christoph to this pivotal leadership role in Sri Lanka. His global experience and commitment to thoughtful innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the distinct positioning of our resorts. With a sharpened focus on destination awareness and sustainability, Christoph is well-placed to lead the next phase of growth for our properties in Kalutara.”

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu River, Anantara Kalutara Resort offers a unique sanctuary where contemporary luxury meets Sri Lanka’s coastal charm, blending the architectural vision of Geoffrey Bawa with heartfelt hospitality. Next door, Avani Kalutara Resort invites guests to embrace a vibrant island spirit with laid-back elegance and refreshing experiences for families and leisure travellers alike. Together, the two resorts form a distinctive riverside and oceanfront haven on the island’s southwest coast, uniting Anantara’s refined sophistication and Avani’s upbeat energy to deliver meaningful journeys and unforgettable moments under Minor Hotels’ world-renowned ethos of inspired living.

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Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of more than 560 properties across 59 countries, continues to deepen its commitment to supporting the destinations in which it operates. As part of this long-standing focus, the group’s global ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative has played an important role in connecting hospitality with meaningful community support.

First introduced nearly a decade ago in Minor Hotels’ Anantara branded properties in Thailand, ‘Dollars for Deeds’ is now embedded into the social responsibility strategies of Minor Hotels worldwide. The programme invites guests to opt in at check in by contributing one US dollar per night of their stay. Minor Hotels matches each donation in full, with funds directed to carefully selected charitable and environmental projects tailored to each location.

From coral conservation in the Maldives to child welfare projects in Hungary, the initiative has consistently sought to create measurable impact. In Sri Lanka, support has been directed towards the Turtle Hatchery near Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala through Anantara Kalutara and Avani Kalutara.

Now, Minor Hotels Sri Lanka is taking this commitment even further by partnering with Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities. Established in 2016 and operational since 2020, the Ayati National Centre for Children with Disabilities provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services to children and families across Sri Lanka. The facility — the first of its kind nationally — was formed through collaboration between the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, Roshan Wijerama family Foundation, Rotary International, and several philanthropic partners.

Ayati was built on the understanding that every child has potential — but children with disabilities often face social barriers that limit their access to care and opportunity. The centre offers early intervention programmes, occupational and speech therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, supported education services, and family counselling, while also training healthcare and education professionals to extend its impact across the country.

Since opening, over 14,000 children have registered at the centre, with daily attendance averaging 60 children. Designed to alleviate both emotional and financial stress, Ayati also provides transport allowances, meal support, and parent advocacy initiatives, while planning for long-term sustainability through skills training and supported employment schemes for young people.

“We believe hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to a lasting, positive influence on the communities we serve,” explains Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Ayati represents exactly the kind of long-term, systemic impact we aim to support through ‘Dollars for Deeds’. This partnership reflects our confidence in Ayati’s work, and our commitment to enabling better futures for children across Sri Lanka.”

“Ayati was created to ensure that children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. Partnering with Minor Hotels is a significant step forward — not only for our centre, but for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority.” Abbas Esufally, Deputy Chairman of Ayati Trust said. “This support will help us expand our reach, strengthen our services, and continue offering families a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and independence.”

This partnership underscores Minor Hotels’ broader commitment to responsible growth, where each property serves not only as a destination for guests, but as a contributor to the long-term wellbeing of its surrounding community.

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