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Colombo's Luxury Landmark: City of Dreams Redefines Sri Lankan Tourism
2 Aug
Summary
- $1.2 billion integrated resort in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Comprises 800 rooms, casino, shopping mall, and MICE facilities
- Aims to drive surge in international arrivals and economic growth
On August 2, 2025, the highly anticipated 'City of Dreams' resort has officially opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This $1.2 billion integrated development, a joint venture between Sri Lanka's John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, is set to transform the city's tourism and economic landscape.
Spanning 4.5 million square feet, City of Dreams comprises 800 rooms and suites across two luxury hotels - the 687-room 'Cinnamon Life' and the 113-room 'Nüwa' by Melco. In addition to the world-class hospitality offerings, the resort boasts a state-of-the-art casino, a premium shopping mall, curated dining experiences, and cutting-edge MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities.
According to Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, the scale of this development sends a strong message that Sri Lanka is open, stable, and ready for global investment. Melco's Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, also expressed confidence that the resort will attract high-value international travelers, particularly from key feeder markets like India, China, and Russia.
Once fully operational, City of Dreams is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. The resort is also poised to drive a surge in international arrivals, establishing Colombo as a premier MICE destination in South Asia.
