Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the government is committed to reopening the Shangri-La Resort in Addu City, even if it requires amending the existing tourism law. The minister emphasized the importance of this resort, which has remained closed for years, as a key investment for the city's tourism industry.
Faisal, responding to a question by MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, revealed that the government is taking serious measures to ensure the reopening of Shangri-La. He has already held discussions with the resort's management in the Maldives and plans to meet with international counterparts soon.
He noted that the tourism law does not clearly specify how a resort can be reclaimed if it is paying rent properly. However, if necessary, the law will be amended to open Shangri-La. Faisal reaffirmed that President Dr. Muizzu is fully committed to reopening the resort as soon as possible, with the Ministry of Tourism working towards that goal.
Additionally, Faisal addressed concerns regarding the Hankede project, which has faced delays. He clarified that the funding agreement for the project has not yet been signed, although the project was awarded on March 30, 2023, to the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), in partnership with China's National Electrical Engineering Company (CNEEC).
Faisal highlighted that the Hankede project is crucial for Addu City's tourism development. Despite public speculation, no funding arrangement has been signed, and negotiations with the Chinese company are ongoing, with delays attributed to challenges in securing favorable interest rates for the project.
The $142.9 million Hankede project includes the development of 2,082 tourist accommodation units, comprising grand hotels, deluxe hotels, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, and beach villas. Faisal assured that despite the delays, the government is focused on ensuring the project’s completion, marking a significant milestone for tourism growth in Addu City.
Faisal, responding to a question by MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, revealed that the government is taking serious measures to ensure the reopening of Shangri-La. He has already held discussions with the resort's management in the Maldives and plans to meet with international counterparts soon.
He noted that the tourism law does not clearly specify how a resort can be reclaimed if it is paying rent properly. However, if necessary, the law will be amended to open Shangri-La. Faisal reaffirmed that President Dr. Muizzu is fully committed to reopening the resort as soon as possible, with the Ministry of Tourism working towards that goal.
Additionally, Faisal addressed concerns regarding the Hankede project, which has faced delays. He clarified that the funding agreement for the project has not yet been signed, although the project was awarded on March 30, 2023, to the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), in partnership with China's National Electrical Engineering Company (CNEEC).
Faisal highlighted that the Hankede project is crucial for Addu City's tourism development. Despite public speculation, no funding arrangement has been signed, and negotiations with the Chinese company are ongoing, with delays attributed to challenges in securing favorable interest rates for the project.
The $142.9 million Hankede project includes the development of 2,082 tourist accommodation units, comprising grand hotels, deluxe hotels, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, and beach villas. Faisal assured that despite the delays, the government is focused on ensuring the project’s completion, marking a significant milestone for tourism growth in Addu City.
