The first group of Shangri-La “tigers,” talented young hoteliers who spent time training and observing at the company’s properties throughout Asia in order to prepare for the brand’s debut in North America.

Today, the first group of tigers has completed training and has arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia, in preparation for the opening of the new Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver in January.

Eight hoteliers who observed and absorbed the company’s service culture and delivery at various Shangri-La properties across Asia now will use their expertise to provide a consistent Shangri-La hospitality experience halfway around the world, while also training locally hired staff.

“Shangri-La hospitality is expected to be intuitive and seamless between our hotels,” says Stephen Darling, regional vice president and general manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. “For loyal Shangri-La guests, the expectation of service style and standards is based on their Asian experience. We must translate that to the North American market through our team.”

The Vancouver tigers’ positions range from property manager, hotel manager and guest service manager to director of food and beverage and director of sales and marketing. They were selected as tigers by Darling and other Shangri-La executives based on their educations, areas of focus and particular talents, including language abilities, for example.

Meanwhile, about a dozen tigers remain at Shangri-La properties throughout Asia, continuing to train until they eventually are sent to take leadership roles at new Shangri-La properties in North America (cities include Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami and New York) and Europe (cities include Paris and Vienna).

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