The opening of Citadines Amigo Iloilo in a few days affirms Ascott’s nationwide expansion plan and confidence in the hospitality market in the country, the Country General Manager says.
Amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, the largest international lodging owner-operator in the country with 27 properties is proceeding with the development of more hotels and serviced residences across the country. According to Daniel Wee, Country General Manager & Vice President, Strategic Projects of Ascott, they are opening 18 more properties in the next few years. The strategy, he explains, is pinned on the belief that the country’s once-booming tourism and hospitality industries will get back on its feet sooner rather than later.
“With 9 properties operational and 18 in the pipeline, and in gateway cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Ascott provides a wider selection to cater to different needs of our guests when choosing a place to stay for their relocation, business and vacation,” Wee says.
Early adjustments yield long-term returns
What enabled Ascott to follow through on its plans was its quick response during the onset of the global health crisis. Wee says that Ascott was astute in enforcing changes and adjustments designed to help its guests, staff, and business partners ease into the new normal.
“When a community quarantine was announced in March 2020, we have already put in place our business continuity plans, including alternate workforce and working venues,” Wee says. “We then identified and targeted new sources of business and adjusted some strategic business decisions in controlling costs to protect the business. We also supported our business partners, namely our tenants, and helped everyone tide over the difficult period.”
Meanwhile, the Ascott executive made no bones about the pandemic’s impact on the company. Some of their long-stay guests, for instance, which includes expatriates conducting business in the country that comprises a huge segment of their market, opted to return to their home countries. Pandemic-related disruptions in logistics and construction also pushed back the opening of a couple of properties.
“It was a challenge,” Wee admits, “but we are blessed and thanks to our team’s commitment and perseverance, that all our properties remain in operations.”
New-normal programs
Wee points to Ascott’s unique programs that are of global standards as reasons for the company’s survival and continued success. These commitments on safety and hygiene standards have led to continued support from Ascott’s long-stay guests who opted to stay in the country, and also other loyal corporate customers.
“Their wellbeing is of utmost priority,” Wee says. “Our Ascott Hosts will keep them engaged safely through digital platforms, still providing them a sense of community through shared experiences that we created such as online games, online workouts, etc.”
Another program that Wee credits is Ascott Cares, which the company has made in partnership with Bureau Veritas—a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification in hygiene and health standards. As the COVID-19 situation evolves and travel gradually resumes in various countries, Ascott has tightened and streamlined the Ascott Cares program to cover seven commitments for stringent hygiene and safety standards, wellness support and sustainable practices. These include ensuring the well-being of the staff, enforcing social distancing practices, and accelerating the implementation of contactless check-in and payment processes, among others.
“We also implemented digital solutions such as the use of self-check-in kiosks to lessen physical contact, enhanced cleaning protocols, and other measures for our guests to truly enjoy their stay with us,” Wee says.
Also integrated into the Ascott Cares program is the new Wellness and Security commitment, wherein Ascott introduces a “24/7 On-Call Wellness & Security measure.” In partnership with International SOS, round-the-clock health, wellness and security support is now a phone call away to ensure greater comfort and reassurance for guests.
Launching Citadines Amigo Iloilo
One of the 18 upcoming Ascott properties is Citadines Amigo Iloilo, which will be launched in early June. The property is set to become the first international serviced residence concept in Western Visayas, offering chic and comfortable spaces designed to provide the comforts of a home and experiences of a hotel.
“Iloilo has always been rich in culture. Now, it’s also booming economically,” says Gerald Fontanos, Resident Manager of Citadines Amigo Iloilo. “This combination of traditional culture and modern development makes up for a unique travel experience, one that can be enjoyed best at Citadines Amigo Iloilo with its unparalleled accommodation and service.”
Located at Iloilo’s thriving capital, the property presents 121 rooms and a complete range of facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, all-day dining restaurant, and soon-to-open function rooms.
With the launch of Citadines Amigo Iloilo and more to follow, Wee says he is confident in the country’s hospitality sector amid these challenging times.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests to their ‘Home Away From Home’ in Iloilo.