Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal has revealed a major breakthrough in the government’s ongoing efforts to reopen and resume operations of Shangri-La Resort and Spa in the south, adding that a solution will be found this year.
Known for its luxurious standards, Shangri-La Resort offers 284 beds, including 60 water villas, 26 beach villas, 28 pool villas, 16 tree houses, and two presidential villas, spread across 550,000 square meters.
The resort originally began operations with a 30% government stake and 70% ownership by Addu Investment Private Limited, a joint venture established to manage the property alongside the government. However, following its closure due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the government relinquished its shares in August 2023.
The closure resulted in significant job losses for many residents of Addu, who are eagerly awaiting the resort's reopening.
Reopening the Shangri-La Resort and Spa is a key presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Minster Faisal revealed that the Attorney General has now issued the necessary notices to the resort operator, adding that the long overdue solution will be found this year.
"I don’t want to give a specific date now. The Attorney General's Office has given a notice with our advice. A solution will be found within this year. But we need to see the place to know how much time it will take for renovations," Faisal explained.
He also reiterated the need for direct international flights to Addu City to operationalise the Shangri-La Resort, adding that negotiations were already underway.
“Negotiations are already underway to launch 2 to 3 direct international flights to Addu City. If we can achieve this, it will be huge for the people living in the region,” he added.