As the global tourism industry reflects on how technology and innovation are reshaping the way people travel, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is offering a different perspective on what it means to redesign tourism: rethinking the destination itself.

Under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to redesign tourism”, World Tourism Day 2026 places transformation at the centre of the global tourism conversation. For Sri Lanka, where tourism continues to diversify beyond its traditional strengths of nature, heritage, culture and wellness, the emergence of a fully integrated resort in the heart of Colombo represents another dimension of that evolution.

As South Asia’s first and largest fully integrated resort, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment, retail, events, leisure and gaming together within a single destination. More than a collection of individual offerings, the integrated resort model creates an ecosystem of experiences, allowing visitors to stay, dine, discover, shop and be entertained within one connected environment.

This has implications beyond the resort itself. It creates new reasons for visitors to spend more time in Colombo, while complementing the experiences that have traditionally defined Sri Lanka as a destination.

“Tourism is evolving, and destinations need to evolve with it. For us, the opportunity is not simply to add another attraction to Colombo, but to create a new way of experiencing the city,” said Michael Habashi, General Manager (Resort) at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. “An integrated resort brings different experiences, audiences, businesses and talent together, creating a destination that can continue to evolve the traveler and the destination.”

Technology is also central to this evolution, from introducing modern gaming technology and internationally benchmarked systems to bringing NÜWA’s international luxury hospitality proposition to Sri Lanka. Technology-led guest services across Cinnamon Life and NÜWA support more seamless and personalised experiences, while advanced audiovisual capabilities and event infrastructure enable City of Dreams Sri Lanka to host large-scale MICE events, corporate gatherings, entertainment productions and international conferences to contemporary standards. Together, these capabilities demonstrate how technology can extend beyond individual guest experiences to support the development of Sri Lanka’s wider tourism ecosystem.

The model also creates a platform for Sri Lankan experiences to sit alongside internationally benchmarked hospitality and lifestyle offerings. The Shoppes at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, for example, provides opportunities for local fashion, jewellery, wellness, food and lifestyle brands to connect with both domestic and international audiences, bringing elements of Sri Lankan creativity and craftsmanship into a contemporary destination environment.

Equally significant is the exchange of knowledge and talent taking place behind the guest experience. Bringing together local professionals and international hospitality expertise creates opportunities for skills development, exposure to global standards and the transfer of knowledge across Sri Lanka’s tourism ecosystem.

Sri Lanka’s tourism proposition has always been rooted in diversity. The opportunity now is to connect that diversity in new ways.

As the country continues to build a more sophisticated and varied tourism offering, City of Dreams Sri Lanka represents a new chapter in that journey: one where Colombo can be experienced not merely as a gateway to the island, but as a destination in its own right, and where Sri Lanka’s natural, cultural and heritage strengths meet a contemporary, connected and constantly evolving urban experience.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, has appointed Mr. Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, unveiling the vision to strengthen the brand’s role as one of the largest contributors to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and position the country’s standing as a global destination. With 17 years at John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa takes on the role at a pivotal moment, as Sri Lanka’s tourism rebounds beyond pre-pandemic levels.

“Sri Lanka has the assets to be one of the most desired destinations in the world. What we need now is scale, innovation, and consistency. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is at the forefront of showcasing this potential, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that appeal to travellers globally. We harness technology and innovation to deliver seamless, personalised guest experiences, while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity remain at the heart of our growth,” said Singhawansa. “Our resorts in the Maldives further embody this vision, championing international standards, sustainability, and experiential travel.”

The chain’s recently launched Cinnamon Life is a landmark US$1.2 billion integrated resort in Colombo, and the largest development of its kind in South Asia. With 687 rooms, over 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE facilities for up to 5,000 guests, and a mix of residences, retail, dining, and entertainment, Cinnamon Life is expected to create 20,000 jobs and firmly establish Colombo as a regional MICE powerhouse among Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai

Beyond infrastructure, Cinnamon is investing in fostering talent through the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, aiming to increase women’s participation in hospitality to at least 24% by 2025, and initiatives such as EmpowHer, which createsafer, more inclusive workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails, the brand’s wildlife and experiential tourism arm, continues to act as the country’s destination experts, offering authentic, conservation-led journeys that align with global travel trends.

“Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our priority is to become a catalyst for change, delivering world-class experiences, and ensuring tourism uplifts the communities we serve.”

As the only Sri Lankan brand to be part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts connects with over 30 million members worldwide through its loyalty programme, Cinnamon Discovery. Combined with a portfolio of 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is uniquely positioned to play a central role in shaping Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery and future growth bringing together authenticity, innovation, and scale to strengthen both Sri Lanka’s and the Maldives’ profile as leading global destinations.

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John Keells Holdings PLC(JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MRE) proudly announces the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on 2^ndAugust 2025. This launch marks the completion of the final components of the project, including a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel and a premium shopping mall.

The milestone partnership, marks the debut of South Asia’s first fully- integrated resort and Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury lifestyle to date – an over USD 1.2 billion development that redefines Colombo’s place on the global tourism map.

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo, the integrated resort brings together world-class hospitality, upscale retail, immersive entertainment, and cutting-edge MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in one dynamic destination.

Key highlights:

• 800 rooms and suites, comprising of a 687-room luxury hotel branded “Cinnamon Life” which was launched in October 2024, and a 113-room ultra-luxury hotel under Melco’s flagship “Nüwa”
• Expansive   to host global business events and conventions.
• A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international luxury gaming standards.
• A curated collection of signature dining experiences involving internationally acclaimed chefs.
• Immersive entertainment spaces for international performances and cultural showcase.

As City of Dreams expands its iconic brand into a vibrant new market, it capitalises on Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the region’s growing tourism demand. By introducing global expertise in luxury hospitality and gaming, the resort is poised to elevate the standard and appeal of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is more than a resort – it is the epicenter of a new lifestyle movement, where modernity, elegance, and local culture converge. The landmark project sets new benchmarks for luxury, sustainability, and community engagement, redefining the region’s tourism narrative.

• Tourism Catalyst: positioned to drive a surge in international arrivals – particularly from South Asia and theregion, establishing Colombo as a premier MICE destination

• Sustainable Development: designed with environmentally friendly technologies and a strong commitment to local art, culture, and community initiatives, reflecting responsible tourism

Leadership Perspectives:

Krishan Balendra Chairperson of the John Keells Group stated:
““The opening of the casino and Nuwa hotel operated by Melco marks the realisation of a key pillar of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing to fruition the integrated development that was envisioned over a decade ago. This milestone sets a new benchmark in South Asia for world-class lifestyle, entertainment, and retail offerings. With Melco’s globally recognised expertise and

exceptional standards, we believe this unique addition will significantly enhance Colombo’s tourism appeal, drive foreign exchange earnings, and create meaningful employment opportunities. City of Dreams Sri Lanka stands as a bold testament to our confidence in Sri Lanka’s future and our continued commitment to nation-building through transformative investments.”

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, commented:
“We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential, and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth in Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from the successful examples set by similar integrated resorts in other jurisdictions.”

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