One year after opening its doors, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has emerged as a defining milestone in the country’s tourism and hospitality journey, establishing a new benchmark for integrated resorts in South Asia. As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment and the country’s first integrated resort of this scale, City of Dreams Sri Lanka celebrates its first anniversary with a year marked by global recognition, memorable guest experiences and a growing contribution to the nation’s tourism ambitions.

Since its launch, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has brought together luxury hospitality, world-class dining, entertainment, lifestyle experiences, gaming, retail and MICE facilities within one destination, creating a new proposition for both local and international travellers.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Michael Habashi, Vice President and General Manager, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said: “Our first anniversary is a celebration of an incredible journey made possible by the passion and dedication of our team, the trust of our guests, and the support of our partners and stakeholders. In just one year, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has established itself as a destination where luxury, entertainment and hospitality come together to create exceptional experiences. We are proud of the role we are playing in elevating Sri Lanka’s position as a world-class tourism destination, and we remain committed to continuing this journey by bringing new experiences, global events and innovative offerings to our guests.”

The first year of operations has seen City of Dreams Sri Lanka host a diverse range of entertainment and lifestyle experiences, welcoming visitors through internationally inspired events, culinary experiences and premium hospitality offerings. With two luxury hotels, an extensive dining portfolio, entertainment venues, luxury lifestyle experiences and state-of-the-art event spaces, the integrated resort has positioned Colombo as an emerging destination for leisure, business and entertainment travel.

A key milestone during the year was the recognition of both hotels within City of Dreams Sri Lanka achieving five-star status, reinforcing the destination’s commitment to delivering world-class service standards and exceptional guest experiences.

Beyond its role as a hospitality destination, City of Dreams Sri Lanka continues to make a meaningful contribution to the country’s economy. The development has created significant employment opportunities across hospitality, entertainment, events, retail and supporting sectors, while strengthening Sri Lanka’s ability to attract foreign investment and international visitors. Its integrated offering is also expected to support the growth of business tourism, particularly the MICE segment, by providing globally competitive facilities for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events.

The destination has witnessed growing interest from key international markets, including India, China and the Middle East, as travellers increasingly seek immersive experiences that combine luxury accommodation, entertainment and leisure within a single destination. Through its regional appeal and international partnerships, City of Dreams Sri Lanka aims to strengthen Colombo’s position as a preferred destination for global travellers.

Sustainability and responsible operations remain central to the vision of City of Dreams Sri Lanka. Through NUWA and Cinnamon Life, the resort continues to advance its Environmental, Social and Governance commitments by focusing on responsible resource management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, biodiversity initiatives, community engagement and responsible business practices. These initiatives reflect the destination’s commitment to creating long-term value for Sri Lanka while operating responsibly.

Looking ahead, City of Dreams Sri Lanka remains focused on strengthening its position as South Asia’s leading integrated resort destination. The future vision includes attracting more international entertainment experiences, expanding luxury dining and lifestyle offerings, growing the MICE and events segment, investing in technology and innovation, and enhancing every aspect of the guest journey.

As City of Dreams Sri Lanka enters its next chapter, it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism growth and economic development while continuing to deliver experiences that meet the expectations of travellers from around the world.