Chairman of Shangri-La Asia Limited visits Addu Atoll, Villingili.
The Chairman of Shangi-La Asia Limited, Mr. Edward K. L. Kuok, visited Addu Atoll, on 17th July 2005. On his return from Villigli, Mr. Kuok met with the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee. During the meeting Mr. Kuok stated that he was very impressed with the beauty of the island and he realized the potential of the proposed development in Addu Atoll. He said that he is confident that the resort would be a great success. After the visit, he envisages major alterations to the present development plan of the island to enhance the quality of the product which would require additional investment.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation highlighted the importance of completion of the project for the people of Addu Atoll and to the nation as a whole. Dr. Shaugee assured that Ministry of Tourism would provide all the necessary assistance required in facilitating the development of this resort as quickly as possible.
According to Mr. Kuok, the preliminary work of the development would begin within the next two to three weeks and anticipates commencement of the physical development of the island from August 2005 with the target of opening of the resort within the next 24 months.
During his visit to the Maldives, Mr. Kuok also visited some of the resorts in the country and complimented the concept and the style of development. Being an enthusiastic diver, Mr. Kuok is very much concerned with the preservation of the environment. He was very impressed with the effort being made by the government and the people to protect natural beauty of the Maldives.