Sri Lanka's Casino Strategy Aims for India to Intellectualize Gambling Destination
In the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the City of Dreams integrated resort has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the country's tourism and gaming landscape. Positioned as South Asia's first integrated luxury resort, this ambitious project aims to attract affluent Indian tourists, leveraging Sri Lanka's close proximity to India.
The resort, a joint venture between Macau casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment and local real estate developer John Keells Holdings, offers a comprehensive, high-end experience. Combining luxury accommodations, extensive gaming facilities, entertainment, retail, and event spaces within a single urban complex, it is poised to raise Sri Lanka's profile in regional tourism and gaming markets.
Given its geographical closeness to India, especially the southern states, the resort is expected to capitalise on the growing demand from India's affluent and high-net-worth visitors seeking luxury leisure and gaming destinations abroad. Sri Lanka's easy access and shared cultural ties serve as a strategic advantage to attract this segment.
Featuring two luxury hotels totaling nearly 700 rooms and a 16,700 sqm gaming floor—one of the largest in the region—the resort employs an integrated model combining casino gaming, hospitality, dining, nightlife, retail, and convention facilities under one roof. This diverse offering caters to both leisure tourists and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment, positioning Colombo as a competitive global destination for upscale events and business tourism.
The resort is designed to deliver a high-quality, immersive lifestyle and entertainment experience that meets international standards. With over a dozen restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, and luxurious spacious rooms with excellent guest reviews, it focuses on providing an unparalleled guest experience.
Sustainability and cultural integration are key elements of the development. The resort incorporates sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, grey water recycling, and solar integration. It also emphasises local employment, ethical partnerships, and celebrating Sri Lankan culture—elements appealing to modern luxury travelers who prioritise sustainability and authenticity.
Melco Resorts, a Hong Kong-listed global player, manages the gaming operations at the resort, signalling a serious commitment to world-class gaming standards and operations. This partnership is expected to attract international and regional gamblers, especially from India and beyond.
In summary, the City of Dreams Colombo aims to be a transformative destination, enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism and gaming landscape. Strategically targeting wealthy Indian clientele and other affluent South Asian travellers, it offers a world-class integrated resort experience combining luxury, entertainment, sustainability, and event capabilities. The grand opening of this exciting new destination marks a significant step forward for Sri Lanka's burgeoning tourism industry.
The resort, with its luxury accommodations and extensive gaming facilities, caters to a lifestyle of leisure and entertainment for its guests. Given its proximity to India, the City of Dreams Colombo is likely to attract affluent Indian travelers who seek unique and upscale leisure and gaming destinations.
