Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang Triumphs at World Travel Awards Event

Online, November 25, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang wins a coveted honour during the Regional Finals of the World Travel Awards 2009 in the category of Malaysia's Leading Spa Resort. The World Travel Awards described as the "Oscars" of the global travel and tourism industry are recognised as the highest accolade within the industry.

The Regional Finals ceremony attended by a total of 750 senior management and decision-makers in the travel and tourism fraternity was held at Grosvenor House in London's Mayfair on 7 November.

Graham Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards said: "The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today's winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example." He added: "This year's winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence."

Desmond Hatton, General Manager of the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa said: "We are ecstatic to be bestowed such an honour as it reinforces the resort's positioning as a preferred brand in Malaysia and the international market". He added: "This award is also a testament to the efforts of our 450 employees who have worked tirelessly to serve the resort over the years. Their unwavering dedication has contributed to the resort's success and reputation for consistent service excellence".

Among other prominent Malaysian organisations honoured with accolades at the World Travel Awards are Malaysia Airlines under the category of Asia's Leading Airline and Tourism Malaysia for the tagline "Malaysia: Truly Asia", voted as Asia's leading marketing campaign.

About the World Travel Awards
First launched in 1993 the World Travel Awards are much sought after. They are considered the pinnacle of achievement for any tourism organisation. Votes are cast globally by fellow professionals in 919 categories, contributed by 183,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organisations in more than 160 countries. World Travel Awards events are attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators and destinations. It provides a platform for top-level networking opportunities, regionally and globally.