Muizz pledges to reopen Shangri-La, build fish factory in Addu

Opposition PPM-PNC presidential candidate Dr Mohamed Muizz on Tuesday promised to reopen the Shangri-La Villingili Resort in the first year of his rule and develop the Addu International Airport to fly to more destinations as part of his policy to expand tourism in Addu.

Muizz arrived in Hulhudhoo on Tuesday on a two-day trip to Addu to campaign for the September 9 presidential election. At a campaign rally in Hulhudhoo, Muizz expressed his vision for Addu and the island.

Muizz said Addu needs to expand tourism, increase employment and strong economic activities along with housing. He said he would make it a reality in his government.

“We will hopefully pay close attention to it [Shangri-La Resort] and bring it into operation in early 2024, the first year of the government,” Muizz said.

Shangri-La, which opened as Addu's first resort in 2009, was closed in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving many people in Addu jobless. It is the desire of the people of Addu to reopen it.

At a rally in Hithadhoo on Monday, Muizz said 6,000 beds would be set up in the city under his Asseyri Tourism concept to expand tourism in Addu. With the reopening of Shangri-La and the addition of beds, tourism in Addu will change dramatically, he said.

"This cannot be done by flying to just six destinations. So, the demand that comes from [expanding] tourism, that demand can be realised by flying to different destinations. So, we will expand and strengthen the airport in this city," he said.

Shangri-La will reopen this month or next, MDP presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said during his primary campaign in Addu in January.

Muizz also promised to turn the cold storage established in Hulhudhoo during former President Yameen’s government into a fish canning factory in his.

“We will enlarge and expand the cold storage facility built by President Yameen and turn it into a strong canning factory like the one in Felivaru and we will give you that pleasure,” he said.

With the conversion of the cold storage into a meat factory, Muizz said, "at least 5,000 jobs will be created".

"Setting up a fish factory is not a small thing, it's a big thing. By doing that, you have a very bright future. It will open a huge door to create jobs and make your livelihood easier," Muizz said.