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Landmark Safety Certification for Shangri-La Hotels
07 September 2020 | Written by Chris Alexander

Two Shangri-La resorts have become the first hotels in Penang to be awarded a SafeGuard Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label by Bureau Veritas. The SafeGuard label is one of Malaysia’s most stringent checks on hotel safety, offering internationally accredited guidance and support for the restart of operations, informed by the new norms of post-pandemic tourism. 

Two of Penang’s leading properties, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort have been officially certified by Bureau Veritas – a world leader with 192 years of experience in testing, inspection and certification services for hospitality services. The safety label from Bureau Veritas indicates high standards of hygiene and endorses these properties as hotels operating in line with recognised global best practices in relation to Covid-19. 

“Our outmost priority is the safety of our guests and staff,” explains Elaine Yue, who is General Manager of both resorts. “This SafeGuard label is a validation of the hotels’ efforts in stepping up and restoring guests’ confidence, and demonstrates our commitment to the highest global standards,” she added.  

In order to receive the prestigious safety label, the resorts had to complete a rigorous process of audits and inspections. Both resorts were judged on the thoroughness and efficacy of their safety and hygiene protocols, to ensure standard operating procedures on social distancing were enforced. This extends to contactless guest interaction; increased frequency of cleaning and disinfection of restaurants and facilities; and the use of new technologies such as electrostatic misting sprayer, ATM testing for cleanliness and ultra-violet light technology used in the cleaning of guest rooms.  

In addition, the resorts’ safety measures also focus on mandatory temperature screening for all; usage of protective facemasks for staff and guests; guide instructions on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use; and staff training and communications in accordance with industry best practices, local laws and international compliance. 

Guests at both Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort can rest assured that their stay is safe and secure; in addition to the ‘SafeGuard Label’ from Bureau Veritas, the Shangri-La resorts have also received endorsement from the Penang Government via the ‘Penang Lawan Covid-19 Campaign’, dedicated to the health and safety of tourists in Penang. 

Founded in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a world-leading provider in testing, inspection and certification. Today, the organization includes more than 78,000 employees, stationed in 1,500 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients to improve their standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. 

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts worldwide, bringing their distinctive brand of Asian hospitality to discerning travellers from Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, to Turkey, the UK, Oman and the UAE.