City of Dreams Sri Lanka to host 100+ journalists and influencers at grand opening on Aug. 2

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 August 2, 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 three million tourists to the island by end-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 percent 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 US $ 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 revitalising the country’s economic outlook.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, developed in partnership between John Keells Holdings PLC and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, represents a US $ 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 travellers and position Sri Lanka as a competitive player in the global luxury travel and MICE industries.