The Government has conducted discussions with the management of the Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa to expedite its reopening after being closed due to COVID-19.

Shangri-La has a facility of 500 beds, highly contributing to Addu Tourism.

Regarding the reopening of this facility, the Minister of Tourism Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham met with the management of the resort. On behalf of Shangri-La, the Heald of Investment and Asset Management of the Group, Christopher Fong, the Financial Controller Nilo Aying, and the Director of Government and Public Affairs Saud Abdullah along with five senior executives of the group participated in the meeting. 

According to the Tourism Ministry, Christopher Fong highlighted the challenges and updated on the efforts to reopen the resort. 

State officials reassured their full support for the reopening of the resort and discussed ways to facilitate and accelerate the process.

following the discussions, Shangri-La developed a detailed roadmap to expedite the reopening of the resort. 

In February 2023, the government released 30 percent of Shangri-La’s shares regarding their prolonged reopening.