Sri Lanka's Casino Strives to Attract Indian Gambling Market as Regional Gaming Center
Colombo's City of Dreams Resort Aims to Revolutionise South Asian Tourism
The City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a brand-new integrated resort in Colombo, is set to redefine luxury tourism and gaming in South Asia. With a hefty investment of $1.2 billion, the resort aims to establish Colombo as a global tourism and entertainment hub [2][3][4].
The resort caters to a variety of discerning clientele, including wealthy leisure tourists, international business travelers, and regional high rollers. It offers 800 luxurious rooms, including a 687-room luxury hotel, "Cinnamon Life," and a 113-room ultra-luxury hotel, "NΓΌwa," managed by Melco Resorts [2][3].
One of the resort's strategic focuses is on tourists from India, a significant source market given Sri Lanka's geographic and cultural proximity. The resort's integrated approach to upscale leisure, entertainment, and gaming is designed to attract affluent Indian tourists seeking luxury lifestyle experiences and gaming options not available in India [2][4][5].
Melco Resorts, the Macau casino operator, has invested $125 million into the project and will manage the casino facilities at the resort [6]. The casino, located within the City of Dreams Sri Lanka property, is poised to follow in the footsteps of Macau's success in catering to tourists from mainland China [7].
By offering comprehensive, seamless entertainment and hospitality under one roof, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka is well-positioned to attract Indian visitors. Its strategy of targeting the affluent middle and upper classes in India could potentially lead to increased revenue [8].
In addition to gaming facilities, the resort offers premium shopping malls and extensive MICE event spaces capable of hosting global conferences and summits [2][3]. The resort's cultural ambition and sustainability focus align with modern luxury traveler values from the region, including India, which can appeal particularly to discerning tourists seeking responsible and high-quality experiences [3].
In summary, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a regional flagship project designed to tap into growing demand for high-end leisure and business tourism within South Asia, especially from nearby India. By offering a unique blend of luxury accommodations, world-class gaming, shopping, and entertainment, the resort aims to establish Colombo as a premier South Asian luxury tourism, MICE, and gaming destination [2][3][4].
Tourists visiting the City of Dreams Sri Lanka will find not only luxury accommodations but also a casino-and-gambling establishment, a key attraction for affluent Indian tourists seeking gaming options not typically available in India. Financial investments from Melco Resorts, a well-known casino operator, will ensure high-quality gaming experiences at the resort's casino.
