Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has stated that the Shangri-La and Hankede projects are expected to record meaningful progress from this month, reflecting the government’s continued focus on strengthening tourism development in the southern Maldives. Speaking during a sitting of Parliament in response to a question raised by Ahmed Azaan, Member of Parliament for the Hithadhoo Mid constituency, Minister Ameen described the Hankede project as an important tourism development initiative for the south and said the government is now preparing to move forward under a renewed approach.
Minister Ameen said extensive work is currently underway to launch the Hankede project through a new implementation framework, with a comprehensive project announcement expected within the next two to three weeks. According to the Minister, that announcement will include detailed information on the execution plan as well as the timeline for the commencement of physical works. He expressed confidence that preparations are advancing steadily and noted that activities on site are expected to begin in the near future. His remarks underline the strategic importance of Hankede as a project with strong potential to enhance tourism offerings in the southern region and contribute to wider economic activity.
The Minister also announced that Shangri-La’s operational capacity is set to expand significantly in July following constructive discussions between the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the resort’s operators. While the resort has already resumed operations, he noted that it has thus far been functioning on a limited scale since reopening to guests on 30 December 2025. He said this will change substantially by mid-July, when the resort is expected to increase its operational capacity in a major way, creating renewed momentum for high-end tourism in Addu City and the wider southern atolls.
The reopening of Shangri-La was one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledges, and the resort’s return to welcoming guests at the end of last year was widely regarded as an encouraging development for the southern tourism landscape. The planned expansion of its operations is expected to further strengthen visitor confidence, enhance destination appeal, and support employment and business opportunities linked to the hospitality sector. As one of the Maldives’ internationally recognised resort properties, a stronger operational presence at Shangri-La is also likely to contribute positively to the global profile of Addu as a distinctive tourism destination.
Minister Ameen further emphasized that the government remains committed to expanding tourism in the southern region, including Addu City, through the identification of new opportunities and the implementation of additional development projects. These efforts reflect a broader national vision to diversify tourism growth across the Maldives and to unlock the full potential of destinations beyond the central tourism hubs. With renewed attention on both Shangri-La and Hankede, the outlook for southern tourism is increasingly positive, supported by a combination of infrastructure planning, destination development, and confidence in long-term investment.
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