Shangri-La Villingili Resort Reopens After Five-Year Closure, Welcomes First Tourist

The Shangri-La Villingili Resort in Addu has officially reopened after a five-year closure, welcoming its first tourist this afternoon. The resort, once a major employer in the region, was forced to shut down in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the loss of over 500 jobs. Efforts by the previous administration to restart operations were unsuccessful, leading to the government selling its 30% stake in the property. The current administration, after extensive discussions with the resort’s management, announced the reopening. Tourism Ministry officials visited the property to assess necessary repairs, and the government facilitated permits to expedite the process. Recruitment for the resort began last month, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inspected progress in November ahead of the reopening. The return of Shangri-La is expected to provide a significant economic boost to Addu, creating new job opportunities and revitalizing tourism in the region. The luxury resort, located just a five-minute speedboat ride from Addu International Airport, originally opened on July 31 and had faced prolonged criticism from local residents for its extended closure.