Addu City, Maldives – Addu Development Committee (ADC) has raised concerns over the indefinite closure of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in Addu City.
One of the highest class resort of Maldives and the only resort of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Maldives decided to indefinitely close its resort in Addu City due to the serious negative effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ADC has risen concern over the indefinite closure of the resort as the economy of the city took an unexpected turn as hundreds of Adduans were left jobless with no future job prospects in the city.
The job of several youngsters were lost and several small/medium businesses were forced to closed down due to this.
ADC stated.
ADC noted that even though the government owns 30% shares of the resort, there is no minister to take the responsibility of the multiple issues the economy of Addu City had to face due to the indefinite closure of the resort. The Committee stated that due to these matters, there is no benefit nor use of the government having 30% shares of the Shangri-La resort.
ADC further stated that the responsible members of the Addu City Council are even unaware of the discussions done between the government and Shangri-La resort regarding this matter.
The government needs to be more transparent regarding this to inform the citizens of what’s happening.
ADC stated.
Although the Tourism Minister of Maldives, Dr. Abdullah Mausoom stated on January that the closed Shangri-LaVillingili Resort & Spa and Canareef Resort in Addu City will reopen this year, he did not mention exactly when the resorts will reopen. However, he noted that the government is working rigorously on reopening the closed two resorts of Maldives.
The Minister stated that it is an aim of the incumbent government to reopen both Shangri-la and Canareef resorts in the city – both which employed hundreds of Adduans prior to their closure during the pandemic – so that all those who were unemployed during the pandemic receive their jobs back.
Currently, the only remaining main tourist facilities in Addu city apart from the guest houses are South Palm Resort and city hotel Equator Village.
