Direct Flights from China to Addu City to Launch This Year

Speaking at a PNC event on Thursday night, Minister Faisal shared that he had advocated for these direct flights during a meeting with the vice president of China Eastern Airlines at ITB China in May.

"I am confident that this can be achieved very soon, and we are working towards launching direct flights to Addu from China's provinces within this year," stated the Minister.

Minister Faisal criticized previous administrations for neglecting tourism development in Addu City. He contrasted this with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's commitment to the city, highlighting a promise made during his presidential campaign to reopen the Shangri-La Resort within the first year of his term. He noted that significant efforts were currently underway to fulfill this pledge.

"In this regard, we formed a special task force within the Tourism Ministry following discussions with Shangri-La's local senior management in the Maldives last week," Faisal said. He also mentioned the government's willingness to meet with the owners of Shangri-La if necessary.

According to Minister Faisal, President Muizzu hopes that the Shangri-La Resort will be operational by December, in time for his scheduled visit to Addu City.

Minister Faisal pointed out that Addu City currently has only about 850 tourist beds. The government's vision is to develop tourism in Addu City by connecting it with Fuvahmulah City, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Gaafu Alifu Atoll through direct flights.

Efforts are also underway to create tourism zones in Addu City. "Tourism industry stakeholders who visited Addu are interested in developing land plots in the tourism zones allocated by Addu City Council," the Minister said. He added that the government is working on securing at least MVR 100 million from both BML and MIB banks to facilitate these developments.

Minister Faisal emphasized that these funds could be increased through private sector involvement once secured. He further noted that Shangri-La's owners are keen to reopen the resort once direct flights between Addu City and China commence.

The 284-bed Shangri-La Resort, a luxury establishment, opened in Addu City in 2009, with the government holding 30 percent of the shares and Addu Investment Private Limited holding 70 percent. The resort, which employed many Addu residents, closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to criticism over delays in reopening the resort, the government relinquished its stake in Addu Investment Private Limited, demonstrating its commitment to removing any obstacles to making Shangri-La operational again.