South Asia's first integrated resort "City of Dreams" is set to have a grand opening in Colombo, expecting to welcome over 400 gamblers from across Asia. The project, a collaboration between Nuwa Hotels Group and international gaming giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment, is scheduled for a grand launch on August 2.
Most guests are from India, making up the majority of the attendees, along with visitors from Thailand, the Philippines, and Macau. It is reported that about 150 female guests will arrive under the guise of "other services" from regions including India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.
The initial plan was to have Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attend, but he canceled due to "unforeseen personal reasons," with media suggesting his withdrawal was related to religious sensitivities. Subsequently, famous Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has confirmed to take over as the main star of the event, and his performance will be broadcast live without any restrictions.
The opening of "City of Dreams" is seen as a significant move by Sri Lanka to build a regional entertainment tourism hub against the backdrop of economic recovery, aiming to cater to the high-stakes gambler demographic. The launch event will gather numerous international guests and celebrities, highlighting the project's grand scale and future ambitions, marking a new phase in Sri Lanka's tourism and gaming industry.
