City of Dreams Sri Lanka Opens, Redefining South Asian Luxury Tourism
Colombo’s New Luxury Icon Unveiled
On August 2, 2025, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia’s first integrated resort, opened its doors in Colombo, marking a transformative milestone in regional tourism. Backed by a $1.2 billion investment from John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the resort blends luxury hospitality, gaming, retail, dining, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, positioning Colombo as a global lifestyle hub akin to Macau or Las Vegas.
The grand opening, attended by Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underscored its ambition to elevate Sri Lanka’s tourism narrative.
Spanning 4.5 million square feet, the resort features 800 rooms across two hotels: the 687-room Cinnamon Life, operational since October 2024, and the 113-room ultra-luxury Nüwa, managed by Melco. The 180,000-square-foot casino, also operated by Melco under a 20-year license, targets high-net-worth travelers, particularly from India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with projections of $200-$250 million in annual gross gaming revenue.
The Shoppes, a premium retail promenade, showcases global and local brands, while 17 dining venues, led by acclaimed chefs, offer diverse cuisines from pan-Asian to Sri Lankan specialties.
The resort’s MICE infrastructure aims to establish Colombo as a premier business tourism destination, with state-of-the-art venues for conferences and events. Over 1,000 artworks, including commissioned pieces, celebrate Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, blending tradition with modern elegance. The project, a decade in the making, is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs, boost foreign exchange, and drive economic growth, despite concerns from religious groups about the casino’s social impact.
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Lawrence Ho, Melco’s CEO, likened Colombo’s potential to Macau, citing its proximity to India’s affluent market, while JKH Chairperson Krishan Balendra hailed it as a “testament to Sri Lanka’s future.” Designed with eco-friendly technologies, the resort emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, setting a new benchmark for luxury in South Asia.
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