IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List 2023 Announced

The fourth edition of "IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List 2023" was held at Sushi Shinjiru , combining an awards ceremony with an Omakase lunch to recognize the excellence and innovation provided by industry players in tourism products and experiences.

Launched by "IM FIRST CLASS Luxury" in 2020, "IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List 2023" is now in its fourth year. Managing Editor Lean Hooi  understood the challenges faced by many tourism operators and businesses during the pandemic, so a special annual awards initiative was introduced in the year-end issue of 2020 to support them through difficult times. After two years of silent efforts, the first small yet exquisite physical awards ceremony was held on December 20, 2022, during the post-pandemic period.

The awards ceremony brought together representatives from various tourism boards, airlines, hotel groups, restaurants, as well as invited local celebrities, media, and bloggers who love to travel, to provide a broader social platform for local tourism and dining businesses.

Lean Hooi also announced at the event that to increase the credibility of "IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List 2023" and encourage more public participation, the 2024 edition will be created through voting and selection by both the public and industry professionals.

"We hope that 'IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List' will become a recognized and standardized list by both the industry and the public, just like the Michelin Guide, something that everyone carries with them before and during their travels."

Winners were selected by the editorial team of "IM FIRST CLASS" magazine based on the unique characteristics of each winner, all of whom have worked hard to gain recognition for their respective businesses or attractions.

The aim of this list is to establish benchmarks for excellence and innovation in the tourism industry and to gather high-quality travel information for readers, including hotels, restaurants, airlines, and attractions. "IM FIRST CLASS" magazine hopes to expand the list options next year, such as cruise ships, trains, travel agencies, etc., and sincerely invites tourism operators and readers to participate in the future nomination and evaluation process of the list.

IM FIRST CLASS The Gold List 2023

Best Destination To Travel
1. Japan
2. Thailand
3. Taiwan
4. Australia
5. Austria

The Best Train Travel Destination
Swiss Travel System

Best Luxury Airline
Starlux Airlines

Best Boutique Hotel
Edison Boutique Hotel, George Town, Penang

Best Hotel Group
Hokkaido OMO series by Hoshino Resorts

Best Restaurant
Sushi Shinjiru