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 2 August 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 3 million tourists to the island by the end of 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% 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 USD 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 revitalizing the country’s economic outlook.