Sri Lanka's Casino Strives to Establish Itself as Prime Indian Gambling Destination
Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, is set to become a premier destination for luxury travel, gaming, and MICE tourism with the opening of the country's first integrated resort, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka.
The resort, a joint project between Macau casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment and local real estate developer John Keells Holdings, is strategically located in Colombo's city centre. This location offers direct air links to 11 Indian cities, making it easily accessible for Indian tourists.
The resort aims to cater primarily to Indian tourists, mirroring how Macau caters to people from mainland China. It is designed to attract high-end international travellers, offering luxury hotels, a world-class casino, upscale retail, fine dining with renowned chefs, and large-scale MICE facilities.
Melco Resorts has invested $125m into the project and will manage 113 luxury rooms under its NÜWA brand at the property. The resort also features an 800-room hotel, making it a significant addition to Sri Lanka's tourism infrastructure.
The casino opening marks a new era for Sri Lanka's gaming industry, as until now, no casinos in the country have been part of integrated resorts. The resort's gaming and entertainment hub, operated by Melco, a global leader in gaming with properties in Macau and Manila, seeks to attract Indian gamblers and luxury travelers who previously might opt for Macau or other regional gaming destinations.
The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by boosting foreign exchange earnings and generating over 20,000 jobs, with a large portion coming from increased tourist inflows from nearby countries such as India.
The resort integrates local art and culture into its design, creating a unique experience that combines luxury with Sri Lankan identity, appealing to Indian tourists interested in cultural immersion.
With its strategic location, superior facilities, and targeted marketing, the integrated resort is positioned to drive a meaningful increase in tourism arrivals from India, reinforcing Colombo’s status as a South Asian luxury and business travel hub. Colombo, being the nearest tourist destination to India, is also expected to build its profile with the opening of the integrated resort.
In conclusion, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka integrated resort is poised to significantly boost tourism from India, offering a unique blend of luxury, gaming, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
- The integrated resort, named City of Dreams Sri Lanka, is anticipated to transform Colombo into a prominent destination for luxury travel, gaming, and MICE tourism, mirroring the casino-culture and gambling trends of Las Vegas.
- As the resort's gaming and entertainment hub, operated by Melco, a global leader in casino-games, seeks to attract Indian gamblers and luxury travelers, it is expected to challenge traditional gaming destinations like Macau.
- By strategically integrating local art and culture into its design, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka aims to provide a distinctive lifestyle experience that combines luxury with Sri Lankan identity, making it an appealing choice for Indian tourists seeking cultural immersion.
