Amidst the pandemic, the largest international lodging owner-operator in the country with 27 properties is proceeding with developing more hotels and serviced residences across the country. According to Daniel Wee, Strategic Projects of Ascott country general manager & VP, 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 their feet sooner rather than later.
“With nine 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.
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 the 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. For instance, some of their long-stay guests, 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.”
Wee points to Ascott’s unique programs 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 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.”
One of the 18 upcoming Ascott properties is Citadines Amigo Iloilo, 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 home and experiences of a hotel.
“Iloilo has always been rich in culture. Now, it’s also booming economically,” says Citadines Amigo Iloilo resident manager Gerald Fontanos. “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.
