City of Dreams Sri Lanka to Host 100+ Journalists and Influencers at Grand Opening on 2 August
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort, is set to make a bold mark on the region with its much-anticipated grand opening on 2 August 2025. In a strategic move to spotlight the country’s growing appeal as a high-end tourism destination, the resort will welcome over 100 international journalists, influencers, and social content creators to Colombo for an immersive experience of luxury, culture, and Sri Lankan hospitality. Among the journalists in particular are renowned representatives from key platforms across India, Asia and the Gulf regions.
This significant initiative aligns with Sri Lanka Tourism’s national campaign “Seeing is Believing,” which aims to draw 3 million tourists to the island by the end of 2025. By bringing global storytellers and tastemakers directly to its shores, Sri Lanka hopes to convert firsthand impressions into millions of digital impressions—amplifying its message to audiences around the world. The campaign reflects a renewed focus on showcasing the island’s diversity, resilience, and unmatched natural beauty.
Tourism plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing approximately 4.3% of GDP prior to the pandemic, and employing over 400,000 people directly and indirectly. In 2019, the island welcomed 1.9 million tourists and generated over USD 3.6 billion in revenue. As of mid-2025, arrival numbers are steadily rising, with over 1.3 million visitors recorded in 2024 and a strong upward trend continuing into this year. Tourism remains one of the fastest avenues for generating foreign exchange and revitalizing the country’s economic outlook.
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, developed in partnership between John Keells Holdings PLC and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, represents a USD 1.2 billion investment in Sri Lanka’s future. The integrated resort features over 800 luxury rooms, world-class gaming and entertainment facilities, high-end retail outlets, Michelin-quality dining, and comprehensive meeting and event infrastructure. As a transformative development for Colombo, it is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, attract high-value travelers, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive player in the global luxury travel and MICE industries.
Beyond Sri Lanka, the impact of City of Dreams is expected to ripple throughout the South Asian region. As the first of its kind in the area, it sets a new benchmark for tourism, hospitality, and integrated entertainment experiences. The project has already drawn global interest and is anticipated to unlock new opportunities for regional collaboration, destination branding, and sustainable tourism growth.
The grand opening will be a landmark moment, featuring an exclusive media showcase of the resort’s offerings, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities. Guests will have the chance to engage directly with the creators behind the project, explore the property’s full range of amenities, and share their firsthand impressions with global audiences—cementing City of Dreams Sri Lanka as a new symbol of regional excellence and aspiration.
Source :Ada Derana