TIMELINE
SHANGRI-LA GROUP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF ASIAN HOSPITALITY
Pioneers of Asian hospitality and one of the world ’ s most iconic Asian hospitality brands whose portfolio spans 100-plus properties , 75 destinations , and four hotel brands , Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Group celebrates its 50th anniversary this year . We pay tribute .
1970s-1980s
Shangri-La was born in Singapore in 1971 by Robert Kuok , paving the way for a new standard in Asian hospitality . During the 70s , three more Shangri- Las debuted , two in Malaysia and one in Fiji . In the 80s , Kuok formed Shangri-La International Hotel Management , and the group accrued hotel location firsts , including Hong Kong , China and Thailand , and unveiled new hotel brand , Traders , opening the first in Beijing .
1990s
The 90s saw Shangri-La International Hotel Management assume control of all owned properties and Shangri-La Asia go public , the latter buying the former . There were numerous Asia-wide hotel openings including debuts of Shangri-Las in Hong Kong , the Philippines , and Jakarta and the launch of third hotel brand First Kerry Hotel , opening in Beijing . The Group ’ s guest loyalty programme Golden Circle was introduced .
2000s
The Group entered North America and Australia with Shangri-La openings in Sydney and Vancouver and expanded in Asia with debuts in Japan and India . Shangri-La unveiled its first branded spa , Chi , The Spa , in Bangkok , and first commercial complex with office / retail space , in Mongolia . And in 2009 , the Group unveiled its flagship CSR programmes to support social and environmental development .