Preparations are underway to reopen the Shangri-La Villingili Resort at the end of December this year, five years after its closure in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim met with Shangri-La Group’s Head of Investment and Asset Management, Chris Fong, and the incoming General Manager of Shangri-La Villingili, Herve Duboscq, to discuss the reopening plans. The minister confirmed that the resort is gearing up to welcome guests again before the year ends, describing it as a promising step forward for Addu City.

The reopening fulfils a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to revitalise the southern tourism sector and restore economic opportunities in Addu. The resort, which is the largest in the city, features 284 beds, including 60 water villas, 26 beach villas, 28 pool villas, 16 treehouse villas and two presidential villas, catering to high-end visitors.

Shangri-La Villingili’s revival is expected to reinvigorate local employment and boost tourism in the southernmost atolls, achieving a significant milestone in the post-pandemic recovery of the Maldives’ hospitality industry.