Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that Shangri-La Villingili Resort, previously a key element of Addu City’s tourism industry, will reopen by the end of this year.

The luxury resort, which was the first of its kind in Addu, has stayed closed since 2020, when its operations were halted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its extended shutdown has raised significant worries among the inhabitants of Addu, the nation's largest city following the capital, Malé.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday morning, Minister Thoriq stated that the choice to reopen came after thorough conversations between the government and the management of the resort.

A group from the Tourism Ministry is presently carrying out a comprehensive evaluation of the resort's villas and amenities.

The minister remarked that the resort is exceptionally kept and many of the amenities and rooms are in great shape, mentioning that the final renovations will be finished in the upcoming three months.

Thoriq emphasized that the reopening is anticipated to generate new employment opportunities and greatly enhance tourism in southern Maldives.

He recognized that connectivity and transportation continue to be the foremost obstacles in maintaining efficient operations, and confirmed that the government is collaborating with Maldivian to improve airport amenities.

When it closed in 2020, the resort had 580 employees.

Reopening the resort fulfills one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's campaign promises to restore Shangri-La Villingili, reflecting his larger dedication to enhancing the southern economy.