Shangri-La welcomes first tourist as resort reopens following five-year closure

The Shangri-La Villingili Resort in Addu has reopened after a five‑year closure, welcoming its first tourist this afternoon.

The resort, once a major employer in the region, was shut down in April 2020 following the COVID‑19 outbreak. Its closure resulted in the loss of more than 500 jobs, according to the Tourism Ministry.

The previous MDP administration held discussions with the resort’s owners in an attempt to restart operations, but talks were unsuccessful, and the government later sold its 30 percent stake in the property.

The current administration announced the reopening following what the Tourism Ministry described as extensive discussions with the resort’s management to resolve outstanding challenges. Ministry officials visited the property to assess required repairs, and the government facilitated the necessary permits to expedite the reopening.

Recruitment for the resort began early last month as part of the preparations. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also visited the resort in November to inspect progress ahead of the reopening.

The ministry said the return of Shangri-La will provide a significant economic boost to Addu, creating new job opportunities and revitalising tourism in the region.

Shangri-La Villingili, a luxury resort located just a five‑minute speedboat ride from Addu International Airport, originally opened on July 31. Its prolonged closure had drawn criticism from Addu residents who had long called for its reopening.