The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located at the prime beach front of Batu Feringgi, Penang, Malaysia, has completed a RM50 million (approximately US$14 million) year-long redevelopment programme. The redevelopment programme is the most extensive ever in the resort’s illustrious 30-year presence in Penang.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, recently signed an agreement with Chongqing Guest House Co. Ltd. to manage a hotel in Chongqing that is scheduled to open in late 2011. The 469-room Shangri-La hotel will occupy the first 28 floors of a new 58-storey landmark building, a multi-purpose complex incorporating office space and innovative retail outlets.

Asian Pacific hotel group, Shangri-La, is set to manage a new 400-room hotel in Moscow, marking its entry into the Russian hospitality sector.The agreement has been signed with China Huaming International Investment Corporation (CHMIIC).

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, will open Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives, on 26 July 2009.

Shangri-La has signed an agreement with the Al Jaber Group to manage the Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2009, the hotel will be the group’s second hotel in Abu Dhabi following the opening of the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi in August 2007.

With a ceremonial unlocking of the front door at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 24, 2009, General Manager Stephen Darling officially opened Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.  It is the first hotel in North America for the Asian-based luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and its 60th hotel worldwide.