Tourism Minister Commits to Shangri-La Villingili Resort Reopening, Prepared to Amend Laws if Required!: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Published on October 23, 2024

The Maldives government is ramping up efforts to reopen the Shangri-La Villingili Resort in Addu Atoll, a key property that has been closed since 2020. The resort, which was a major player in the local tourism industry before the COVID-19 pandemic, has been idle for the past four years. The closure has had a significant impact on the tourism sector in Addu, particularly in terms of employment and local business support.

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the matter quickly, highlighting the importance of the resort’s reopening in revitalizing Addu Atoll’s economy. “The resort’s closure is the single biggest issue affecting tourism in Addu, and reopening it is a top priority for this government,” Faisal said during a parliamentary session.

In an effort to address this issue, the ministry is working closely with the resort’s owners and management to expedite discussions. A government team will soon be sent to further these talks, with the goal of finalizing plans for the reopening. Faisal noted that he had already met with resort representatives shortly after taking office, underscoring the administration’s active engagement.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort was known for its luxury accommodations and scenic views, spanning over 50.6 hectares with a capacity of 284 beds. Its reopening is seen as crucial for attracting high-end travelers back to Addu and boosting the region’s profile as a luxury destination within the Maldives.

In addition to boosting the local economy, the reopening would also have a positive impact on employment. Many local workers, previously employed at the resort, have been waiting for the opportunity to return to their positions. The government is optimistic that once operational, the resort will once again play a pivotal role in sustaining Addu’s tourism workforce.

One of the challenges the government faces is the current Tourism Act, which does not have provisions for reclaiming land leased for tourism if a resort is not operational, as long as rent is being paid. Minister Faisal has indicated that amending the law may be necessary to streamline the process and ensure the resort’s prompt return to full operation.

The reopening of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort is part of the broader government strategy to boost Maldives’ tourism sector following the pandemic, with a focus on expanding luxury tourism and improving infrastructure in key regions like Addu Atoll.