31/05/2025

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | MAY 31, 2025

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Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

Shangri-La Rasa Ria champions community-based tourism

PETALING JAYA: Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu is strategically positioned to serve as an ideal platform supporting Sabah’s ad vancement towards community based tourism, in alignment with the objectives set forth by the Sabah Tourism Board. “It’s about creating moments that matter – grounded in our surroun dings and led by our people,” the resort’s general manager, Fiona Hagan, told SunBiz in an interview via email. She said the resort’s collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah facilitates several ongoing research initiatives and conservation education programmes. The partnership ensures guests engage in meaningful learning and contribute to sustainable tourism practices, reinforcing the destination’s commitment to responsible and impactful visitor experiences. Encompassing 400 acres of beachfront, rainforest and protected reserve, Shangri-La Rasa Ria offers immersive cultural and nature-based experiences. Hagan said that apart from local cultural attractions, today’s guests seek experiences rooted in wellness, nature and authenticity. “We have shaped our pro gramming around sunrise hikes and winged wonders, buggy tours and birdwatching, beach walks, and marshmallow roasting at sunset. Families can learn about biodiversity together, while couples can re connect with nature in simple, memorable ways.” On Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s achievement in securing Asean Green Hotel Standard classification, Hagan said the recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to build a truly sustainable operation. “At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, our EcoRia platform drives our environ mental strategy – from rainwater harvesting and in-house bottling to LED retrofitting and achieving a 63.21% waste diversion rate. We are the first hotel in Malaysia certified under ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. “These milestones reinforce our commitment to the Triple S pillars – Stay Responsibly, Savour Sustainably and Shine Through Collective Im pact,” she said. Asked what sets Shangri-La Rasa Ria apart from other resorts, Hagan highlighted its people and commit ment to guest experience. “Through continuous upskilling, daily training, and our planned

the culture and environment,” Hagan said. The resort has planned several enhancements, including new facilities and culinary expansions, to elevate the guest experience and uphold Shangri-La’s premium posi tioning. “Later this year, we will open the bamboo house as part of our Cultural Village, providing an immersive space for guest engagement, cultural exchange and event hosting. Additionally, we are expanding our Asian cuisine offerings to feature live, sustainably sourced seafood, re flecting Sabah’s renowned status as a seafood destination. “These developments, alongside ongoing service and product im provements, underscore our com mitment to delivering luxury with substance,” Hagan said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also

Hagan noted a shift in the resort’s primary guest demographics, with more families, independent travellers and those seeking meaningful cultural and community connections now making up the core audience. To meet evolving traveller expectations, the resort is enhancing its offerings. “We are excited to introduce our upcoming Cultural Village, featuring a bamboo house crafted by local artisans, which will host dance performances, storytelling sessions, and local markets. “Additionally, we have expanded our food and beverage programming with initiatives like the Rasa Ria Chef’s Garden and the Rooted in Nature menus, celebrating Sabah’s rich culinary heritage and local ingredients. “These experiences enable our guests to engage more deeply with

leveraging technology and digital innovation to enhance both guest engagement and operational effi ciency by integrating multiple digital touchpoints for a seamless guest experience. Guests can now use mobile check in, access activity booking kiosks and manage all service requests through the Shangri-La App. Additionally, 24/7 messaging support is available via WhatsApp and WeChat, enabling real-time communication. These tools allow the resort to deliver prompt, personalised service while maintaining a strong human connection. Asked what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Malaysia’s luxury resort sector over the next five years, Hagan pointed to talent development and environ mental, social and governance (ESG) integration. “Attracting and developing hos pitality talent, especially in regional areas, is a critical challenge. Our approach is to grow from within by offering structured training, clear career pathways, and launching our NDTS-accredited training centre. “Simultaneously, ESG integration is reshaping luxury travel, and guests now demand transparency, con nection, and purpose. Through local sourcing, sustainability education, and digital engagement, we are committed to keeping Shangri-La Rasa Ria future-ready and aligned with evolving guest expectations,” she said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also positioned as a preferred destination for both weddings and business events, capable of hosting intimate gatherings of 15 guests to large-scale functions accommodating up to 1,000 attendees. With its private beachfront, expansive landscaped gardens and versatile open spaces, the resort offers flexibility for a wide range of events – from sunset beach weddings and garden receptions to structured busi ness conferences and meetings.

o Pristine resort in Kota Kinabalu offers immersive cultural and nature-based experiences National Dual Training System (NDTS) accreditation, we are investing in the future of hospitality. We also consistently refine our guest programming – from cultural work shops to nature exploration – to ensure it evolves in line with guest expectations. “Our strength lies in delivering quality experiences with authenticity, supported by a team that genuinely cares,” she said.

Hagan says Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s people and commitment to guest experience set it apart from other resorts.

Launch of premium yachting activities enhances Desaru Coast’s appeal PETALING JAYA: Desaru Coast’s introduction of premium yachting experiences marks a strategic enhancement to its luxury tourism portfolio – an initiative welcomed by Minor International, a global leader in hospitality and real estate. Anantara Desaru Coast Residences – and a ferry terminal connecting it to Singapore. Coast, Minor International’s Anantara Desaru Coast Residences is well positioned to capitalise on the momentum from the JS-SEZ develop ment and the launch of premium yachting experiences, delivering an exceptional lifestyle proposition for discerning homeowners and visitors alike.

Through the new partnership, ONE°15 Marina Desaru Coast will manage both wet and dry berths at the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, introducing curated sailing activities for visitors and reinforcing Desaru Coast’s appeal to both holidaymakers and investors. The initiative reflects increasing investor confidence in Desaru Coast. It also highlights the strengthening economic ties between Singapore and Johor, supported by the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), where Desaru Coast has been identified as a flagship development area. Strategically located within Desaru

Following a landmark agreement between Desaru Coast and ONE°15 Marina, a premier luxury waterfront marina based in Singapore, Malaysia’s leading integrated resort destination is poised for a strategic expansion of its maritime infrastructure and high end charter services. As a premier leisure and lifestyle hub, Desaru Coast spans 4,000 acres along the southern coastline of Johor, featuring luxury resorts, cham pionship golf courses, a water park, premium residences – including

“With exclusive access to premium marina facilities and curated sailing experiences, residents and visitors alike can enjoy world-class hospitality, blending refined living with dynamic maritime adventures. This partnership has the potential to attract luxury segment customers, both international and local, to our property,“ Minor International’s chief operating officer of lifestyle and real estate, Micah Tamthai, said in a statement.

Pool villas at Anantara Desaru Coast Residences