Sri Lanka's Casino Strives to Establish as Prime Indian Gambling Destination

In the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the grand opening of the Sri Lanka City of Dreams took place on Saturday, unveiling an 800-room hotel and gaming facilities at the property. This integrated resort, a joint project between Macau casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment and local real estate developer John Keells Holdings, marks the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka City of Dreams aims to cater to tourists from India, similar to how Macau caters to people from mainland China. The strategic business plan of City of Dreams Sri Lanka (CDSL) focuses on positioning it as South Asia’s premier luxury integrated resort destination, with a specific emphasis on attracting the Indian market, among other South Asian travelers.

Key elements of this strategy include creating a world-class, multifaceted ecosystem combining hospitality, entertainment, business, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences under one roof. This ambitious project aims to rival global integrated resort destinations like Macau and Las Vegas, appealing to affluent and experience-seeking Indian tourists.

Leveraging its South Asian pioneering status, the resort boasts an investment of over $1.2 billion, positioning Colombo as a modern luxury tourism hub that taps into the growing Indian outbound travel market showing strong demand for upscale entertainment, casinos, and cultural immersion.

Incorporating Sri Lanka’s cultural identity prominently, the resort features over 1,000 artworks and local craftsmanship, providing an appealing blend of luxury with authentic regional heritage that resonates well with Indian travelers who appreciate cultural narratives along with upscale tourism.

Offering expansive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, the resort is designed to host global business events, conferences, and conventions, targeting Indian corporate travelers and business groups, fostering Colombo as a regional business and lifestyle destination.

The resort also operates a state-of-the-art casino through a partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, aimed at attracting Indian high-net-worth individuals and gaming tourists, since casino entertainment is a popular draw for Indian tourists visiting South Asian and other Asian integrated resorts.

Strategically located in Colombo alongside luxury hotels such as the 687-room Cinnamon Life hotel and the 113-room ultraluxury Nüwa hotel brand, the Sri Lanka City of Dreams appeals to the Indian upper-middle class and wealthy travelers seeking premium accommodation and lifestyle experiences.

John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishna Balendra has identified the growth in India's affluent middle and upper classes as a key target market for the resort. With Colombo being the nearest tourist destination to India, the city is expected to build its profile through the Sri Lanka City of Dreams.

Melco Resorts invested $125m into the project, contributing to the resort's luxury offerings. The company will also manage 113 luxury rooms under its NÜWA brand, further elevating the resort's appeal to discerning travelers.

In summary, the Sri Lanka City of Dreams' plan to focus on the Indian market includes positioning Colombo as a luxury lifestyle and entertainment hub with a unique South Asian cultural appeal. The resort offers a differentiated integrated resort model that combines gaming, luxury hospitality, culture, and business tourism, all designed to capture the fast-growing Indian tourist segment looking for premium South Asian travel experiences.

The Sri Lanka City of Dreams, a joint venture between Melco Resorts & Entertainment and John Keells Holdings, aims to cater to tourists from India, similar to Macau and Las Vegas.
Strategically, the resort invests in business tourism by offering expansive MICE facilities, targeting corporate travelers and business groups.
With an investment of over $1.2 billion, the Sri Lanka City of Dreams positions Colombo as a modern luxury tourism hub that taps into the growing Indian outbound travel market.
The resort's casino, operated through a partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, aims to attract Indian high-net-worth individuals and gaming tourists.
Leveraging Sri Lanka’s cultural identity, the resort features over 1,000 artworks and local craftsmanship, blending luxury with regional heritage.
In the housing-market context, the Sri Lanka City of Dreams appeals to the Indian upper-middle class and wealthy travelers seeking premium accommodation options.
The resort's ambitious plan to rival global integrated resort destinations like Macau and Las Vegas includes a specific emphasis on fintech and banking-and-insurance services for affluent visitors.
In the realm of travel trends, the Sri Lanka City of Dreams offers budget-friendly options for travelers seeking to explore casino-and-gambling escapades in the vibrant city of Las Vegas while immersing themselves in casino-games, casino-culture, and the local attractions.