Shangri-La Rasa Ria Tuaran Reinforces Commitment to Sustainability

2 February 2026

TUARAN: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Tuaran wrested Gold for Sustainability Award under the Sabah Tourism Champion Category Award. This is a major milestone in their sustainability journey, following the receipt pf the ISO 21021 certification, the first hotel in Malaysia to attain this standard. The hotel remains the sole venue in the country to hold this accreditation.

Fiona Hagan, General Manager of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, expressed her pride and confidence in the achievement. “Yes, we did expect to win the award,” she stated. “This year, we have set new benchmarks for the hotel, driven by our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.”

She explained that the certification process was a lengthy endeavour, one that had been a personal ambition since she joined the hotel in 2017. “Having seen similar recognitions in Singapore and Thailand, I knew that securing ISO 21021 would support our credibility both locally and internationally,” she said.

The certification focuses on sustainable events, a core market segment for the hotel, encompassing business meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). It emphasises eco-friendly practices, social responsibility, and the use of local suppliers to benefit the surrounding community.

Fiona highlighted that the process involved numerous stakeholders across the organisation, including engineering, stewarding, procurement, and environmental health and safety teams. “It’s about embedding sustainability into the fabric of our operations so it becomes a long-term commitment, not just a one-off achievement,” she added.

Looking ahead, the hotel is now focusing on consolidating its sustainability initiatives. “This year is about strengthening our existing frameworks rather than seeking new awards,” Fiona explained. The hotel has also pursued certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an initiative led by Sabah Tourism, aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the regional hospitality industry.

With operations spanning 460 acres, including a golf course, beach, and nature reserve, Fiona emphasised that sustainability and conservation are ingrained in the hotel’s DNA. “It’s about creating a lasting legacy, sustainable practices that support the environment, local communities, and our business for years to come,” she said.

She concluded with a reminder that sustainability is an ongoing journey. “It’s not just about obtaining certification; it’s about maintaining and evolving these standards. True sustainability is about building a responsible future, one step at a time.”