Kowloon Shangri-La received the Tourism Services Grand Award at the 2003 Hong Kong Awards for Services gala dinner last week (5 January 2004), held at the Convention Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The elated hotel General Manager Mr Thierry Douin, was presented the prestigious trophy by the Honorable Henry Tang Ying-yen, GBS, JP, the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government.
The Hong Kong Awards for Services scheme provides a healthy competition for the “Oscars” of Hong Kong`s service industries, enhancing the city`s competitiveness in the region`s services sector. A total of five grand awards for Innovation, Productivity, Customer Service, Tourism Services and Export Marketing was presented under the Awards scheme, each presented by the respective member of the Organising Committee, namely: the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; the Hong Kong Productivity Council; the Hong Kong Retail Management Association; the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The honour that Kowloon Shangri-La has won - The Hong Kong Award for Services: Tourism Services Grand Award, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board - is an excellent way to reward the hotel for displaying consistently high service standards and playing an active role in supporting the development of Hong Kong as one of the world`s pre-eminent travel destinations. This year a record-breaking of 84 out of 175 entries participated in the Tourism Services category.

The award recipient Mr Douin proudly says: “We are extremely happy to have won the distinguished Tourism Services Grand Award, especially as it follows on the heels of our recent exciting US$25 million renovation programme, strengthening our repositioning strategy. It is a great addition to the remarkable compliments we have received lately on our brand new and renewed products.”

Boasting a large base of long-serving staff with over 50% of work force with the hotel for at least 10 years and one-seventh of staff, representing 100 staff members with the hotel for a minimum of 20 years, Kowloon Shangri-La is renowned for its legendary warm and friendly service amongst its loyal customers and the hospitality business partners. “The Kowloon Shangri-La has maintained a high standard of service since it opened in 1981, earning a reputation for quality, not only for itself but for Hong Kong. The repeat guest rate of as much as 57% testifies to its ability to exceed customers needs,” commented by the Central Judging Panel, “We`re impressed by the hotel`s initiative in re-imaging itself during the SARS outbreak. This demonstrates its ability to turn a risky situation into an opportunity and to again exceed customers` expectations. Also impressive is the hotel`s commitment to training development that ensures staff have mutual respect for each other`s area of competency. The Shangri-La Care programme and other initiatives have established a high standard of service provision. In addition, the Kowloon Shangri-La is to be commended for its acuity in devising unique marketing plans to serve different customers.”

Mr Douin further comments on the accolade, “The honour is a real tribute to our quality excellence and represents our consistent commitment to exceptional standards of customer care, attentive yet discreet service and luxurious accommodation. While thanking the entire staff and customers who have made this great achievement possible, we pledge we will continue the tradition of Shangri-La hospitality and will spare no effort in delighting our customers on every single occasion.”

Within the last two months, the hotel has been the recipient of a few international recognitions, including the recent 5-Star Diamond Award 2004 from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, being on the Conde Nast Traveler`s Gold List for 10 consecutive years and in a high position of Travel & Leisure`s 500 List

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