Sri Lanka’s diversity and authenticity edge over traditional casino hubs: Melco Chief

• Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho says Sri Lanka can be India’s Macau
• Sees Sri Lanka as tourism gateway linking Asia, Europe and Middle East
• Asserts opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism economy is substantial
• Notes City of Dreams Colombo meets global benchmarks and is deeply infused with Sri Lankan identity
• Commends Sri Lanka’s resilience post-crises and affirms long-term commitment since 2013
• Notes importance of strong partnerships, praising JKH

By Charumini de Silva

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho on Saturday praised Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural richness, along with its authenticity as a powerful differentiator in the global leisure and gaming industry, positioning the country as more than just a conventional casino destination.

Speaking at a press conference at the newly opened City of Dreams, South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort, he said that unlike more narrowly focused gaming destinations, Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural diversity gives it an advantage. 

“I have had the chance to explore Sri Lanka from Bentota Beach to the mountains of Kandy, and go on a safari. It is a breathtakingly diverse country,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka offers the potential for extended vacations that combine luxury with authentic experiences.

Highlighting the country’s appeal, Ho said international guests from Thailand and the Philippines were “blown away” by a recent safari experience. “Just yesterday, we brought guests from Thailand and the Philippines on a safari. There are so many hidden gems here, and we are excited to be part of a broader effort to grow Sri Lanka’s tourism industry beyond just this building,” he stressed.

The Melco Chief also drew bold parallels between Sri Lanka’s potential as a regional tourism hub and the meteoric rise of Macau, stating that Colombo’s new City of Dreams integrated resort could make Sri Lanka for India what Macau is to China.

He underscored Sri Lanka’s strategic proximity to India and the significance of the City of Dreams Colombo project in redefining regional tourism. 

“Sri Lanka is the closest destination to India with a true world-class integrated resort like this. That proximity, along with the strength of this development, creates tremendous opportunity, not only for business within this complex, but also in the broader Colombo city economy,” he said.

Ho noted that Macau, the world’s largest gaming market, generates around $ 30 billion annually, largely due to its positioning as a leisure destination for mainland Chinese travellers. He sees a similar dynamic in the making between Sri Lanka and the vast Indian outbound tourism market.

Melco, which operates integrated resorts across Asia and Europe, including in Macau, Cyprus, and Manila, views Sri Lanka as a gateway between key tourism corridors. “Given our geographic position between Colombo, Cyprus, and the broader Middle East, we see significant growth potential in tourism flows from India, China, Russia, and especially the Middle East. The opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism economy is substantial,” he added.

Ho noted that while City of Dreams Colombo meets global benchmarks, it is deeply infused with the Sri Lankan identity. “From the moment you step into the property, you’ll notice the distinct Sri Lankan cultural influence in the art, design, and atmosphere,” he noted. The Melco Chief also said the hotel rooms are styled to reflect local heritage, whilst maintaining international standards.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s multiple challenges from the 2019 Easter attacks to COVID-19 and the 2022 economic crisis, Ho praised the country’s resilience. “Despite these challenges, the country has shown remarkable resilience,” he asserted, adding that Melco’s long-term interest in Sri Lanka dates back to his first visit in 2013.

The development, a decade in the making, is a partnership with local conglomerate John Keells Holdings. “For us at Melco, what matters most is having the right partners. We are grateful to be working with Krishan and the John Keells Group,” Ho said.

Describing the project as more than a luxury venture, Ho explained its potential ripple effect on the local economy. “A development of this scale has a cascading effect; it drives demand for local products, services, and supply. This is about helping to elevate Sri Lanka’s global profile and contributing to its tourism economy,” he said.