News Desk
MALÉ, – The operations of the long-dormant Shangri-La Villingili Resort in Addu City are set for a major expansion next month, while the government’s flagship Hankede integrated tourism development is nearing the physical construction phase, the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, has announced.
Addressing questions in the People’s Majlis raised by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim and Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azan, Minister Ameen clarified that while Shangri-La has resumed welcoming guests, it is currently running at a highly restricted baseline.
The luxury resort initially shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, resulting in the immediate redundancy of over 500 local employees. Despite repeated timelines and reopening pledges floated by the previous administration, the property remained closed until late last year. Honouring a key campaign pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the 2023 presidential race, the government successfully negotiated the soft reopening of the resort on 30 December 2025.
“Shangri-La is operating on a very small scale right now,” Minister Ameen explained to lawmakers. “However, following targeted discussions between the ministry and the resort’s operators, its operational capacity will scale up significantly by mid-July.”
Shangri‑La Reopens After Five Years, Marking a Turning Point for State Authority
Addu City Tourism Milestones
| Property / Project | Current Status (June 2026) | Upcoming Milestone |
| Shangri-La Villingili Resort | Operating at baseline capacity since late Dec 2025 | Major expansion of operations by mid-July 2026 |
| Hankede Integrated Project | Preparatory planning and structural remodeling | Mobilisation and launch of physical works imminent |
Turning to the Hankede development project—a long-stalled state initiative earmarked to introduce diverse real estate and mid-market tourism components to Addu—Minister Ameen confirmed that the government is restructuring the project’s execution strategy to guarantee its viability.
“We are currently undertaking extensive groundwork behind the scenes to launch the Hankede project under a completely revamped model,” the Minister stated. “God willing, a highly detailed project blueprint will be unveiled in the near future, allowing practical construction to commence without further delay.”
The double-pronged advancement forms part of a wider regional economic master plan to reverse two decades of stagnant tourism growth in the country’s southernmost atoll. To support these properties, the administration has recently begun implementing a regional aviation network designed to seamlessly connect transit passengers between Addu, Fuvahmulah, and both sections of Huvadhu Atoll.
