Shangri-La story began in 1971 with its first deluxe hotel in Singapore. Inspired by the legendary land featured in James Hilton's 1933 novel, “Lost Horizon,” the name Shangri-La encapsulates the serenity and service for which its hotels and resorts are renowned. Today, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts operates luxury properties throughout Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe. It recently opened the Shangri-La Toronto. New hotels are under development in mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom. In addition to its five-star Shangri-La hotels in major cities, the company’s brands include Shangri-La Resorts in exotic destinations; Traders Hotels in the business hubs of Asia and the Middle East, positioned as the practical choice for business and leisure travelers; and Kerry Hotels, a new five-star brand launched in 2011 in Shanghai and Beijing.