Tourism Minister Confirms Shangri-La Villingili’s Commitment to Reopening Timeline
Talks held between Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and Shangri-La’s Samuel Lim Yong Peng | Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Environment
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has revealed that Shangri-La Villingili, once a key source of income for the residents of Addu City, is expected to reopen soon, with the resort’s management promising to provide a timeline “without much delay.”
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with Shangri-La’s Vice President of Investment and Asset Management, Samuel Lim Yong Peng, on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
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The resort, which was the first tourist destination in Addu, closed indefinitely in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its prolonged closure has remained a significant concern for the people of Addu, the second most populous city in the Maldives after the capital, Male’. Shangri-La Villingili was operated by Addu Investment, a joint venture between the Maldivian government and Shangri-La Maldives. In 2023, the Maldivian government took steps to rescind its 30 percent share in Addu Investment, a move announced by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, efforts to reopen the resort gained momentum. Ibrahim Faisal, the first tourism minister under Muizzu’s leadership, stated in 2024 that the government was actively working to facilitate the resort’s reopening.
Following his appointment as Minister of Tourism and Environment in February 2025, Thoriq Ibrahim visited Shangri-La Villingili during Ramadan to assess the resort’s condition, noting that the property was well-maintained. During his meeting with Peng in Dubai, the reopening of the resort and the improvement of air connectivity to Addu were discussed. Thoriq highlighted the importance of addressing connectivity, which he identified as the biggest issue, and confirmed that the government was working closely with airlines to enhance access to the region.
The reopening of Shangri-La Villingili, combined with better air connectivity, is expected to have a substantial impact on the economy of the southern Maldives, providing a significant boost to the region and creating new job opportunities. The resort had previously employed over 100 Addu residents and supported the livelihoods of many local families.
