Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, speaking at the opening of the ‘Destination Addu Summit', emphasized the need for direct flights to Addu to facilitate the reopening of Shangri-La.

Minister Faisal emphasized the need for targeted efforts to promote tourism in Addu, highlighting that restarting the unique Shangri-La operation, which initially opened in 2009, is a key presidential promise by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Minister Faisal mentioned that progress has been made, noting his meetings with Shangri-La officials and discussions with Addu MPs on the matter.

The minister noted that the discussions at the meeting revealed that huge expenditures have been incurred to bring Shangri-La into operation and repair the facility.

Shangri-La, one of Hong Kong’s largest hotel chains, opened its resort on Villingili Island in Addu City in 2009.

However, it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and last August, the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed an agreement to relinquish the government’s 30 percent stake in the resort.

The tourism minister stated that additional efforts are needed to reopen Shangri-La and mentioned that the ministry is in discussions with several airlines to establish direct flights to Addu.

The Minister of Tourism has held two meetings with Shangri-La’s management as the government explores options to reopen the long-closed resort, which requires extensive repairs.