14 July 2023, i-City: Double-Tree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City’s 5-star City Hotel accolade will increase Shah Alam’s competitiveness in the Business-Leisure (BLeisure segment). Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing today presented the prestigious accolade to the hotel owned by i-City’s developer, I-Berhad. Malaysia is targeting 16.1 million tourists which is expected to generate over RM49 bil in tourism revenue by year end. In the first quarter of this year, the ministry recorded over 16 million tourist arrivals.
He said, congratulations I-Berhad, the owner of Double-Tree by Hilton i-City and everyone at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City on officially becoming a 5-Star City Hotel. The prestigious five-star rating signifies exceptional quality and services. Being situated in Shah Alam, the administrative city of Selangor, presents numerous opportunities for business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events”.
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, with its convenient proximity of just a 20-minutes drive from Subang airport and 40 minutes from KLIA, i-City boasts a highly strategic location that appeals to tourists.
“Moreover, i-City should collaborate with the state tourism department to further enhance Shah Alam's visibility among tourists right from the moment they arrive at the airport. It could be one of the key destinations to attract tourists, and I appeal to the team from MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia to earnestly consider expanding the range of tourism products available in the area,” Tiong said.
He added that the ministry acknowledges the significance of b-leisure travellers to the economy as they are willing to invest in premium experiences, accommodations, dining, and more. Their spending significantly contributes to the tourism sector's revenue, supports the local economy, and creates business and employment opportunities for the locals. Hotels, he said also act as ambassadors for their countries and cities, showcasing local culture and traditions.
“Further from the basic mission of providing basic quality services, I also urge the industry to integrate more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and data analytics into their operations. Focus on personalized services to the needs of their guests, streamline processes like going queues or applying for things, and create seamless experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests,” Tiong added. He explained that is crucial for the country to tackle these issues inherent in the hotel industry when international travel is recovering fast.
What’s more, the landscape of tourism has changed, and tourists do not want the old travel pattern to rush here and there to the normal attractions. They are looking for deeper and more meaningful travel experiences of our local cultures, attractions, ecological treasures, and cuisines.
Tourism Selangor CEO Azrul Shah Mohamad who also attended the 5-Star City Hotel presentation ceremony said that “this accolade is very significant for Shah Alam. This is the first five-star hotel here. With a five-star hotel here, business travellers who come into the administrative city now have a comfortable place to extend their stay so that they can visit other attractions nearby such as the Blue Mosque, Islamic arts and many more apart from the leisure activities just outside the hotel.”
Honoured to have received the 5-Star City Hotel rating from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the hotel general Manager Gagan Talwar said, “for us at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, there are two reasons to celebrate today. We are not only the first five-star hotel in Shah Alam but also the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Malaysia to receive a 5-star accolade”.
Talwar added that BLeisure has been a key focus for the hotel since it first opened its door in July last year. Its pillarless 1,700 square meter meeting space has hosted many prestigious MICE events to date.
“With i-City targeting a footfall of 5 mil between October to December through their One Shah Alam, One Destination Programme, the hotel is looking forward to extending our five-star hospitality to more guests moving forward.
“The five-star experience can also be experienced gastronomically here at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City through the Axis Lounge, Makan Kitchen and Tosca,” he said.
Commenting on the accolade, Senior Director of Operations for South-East Asia for Hilton Jamie Mead said, “We are truly proud of this achievement by DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel has made history not only for the hospitality industry in Shah Alam, but also for the DoubleTree brands in Malaysia”!