The Ascott Limited (Ascott), one of the leading international lodging owner-operators, has entered into a global agreement with a world leader in testing, inspection and certification, Bureau Veritas to certify the hygiene and safety standards of its properties worldwide.
As the first serviced residence owner-operator to enter into such an agreement, Ascott has embarked on the project as part of its ‘Ascott Cares’ programme, which focuses on nine commitments to continue providing safe homes for its staff and guests. The Ascott Cares x Bureau Veritas Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label is a holistic programme developed in partnership with Ascott by leveraging Bureau Veritas’ health, hygiene and safety expertise of more than 190 years in providing testing, inspection and certification.
In addition to the partnership, Ascott continues to put safety and well-being measures at the forefront of its operations by acquiring local governmental certifications to build confidence amongst guests. In June, the brand’s property in Turkey, Somerset Maslak Istanbul, was rewarded the Safety Tourism Certificate for hygiene measures within the property and its food & beverage outlets. Additionally, its two Dubai properties – Ascott Park Place and Citadines Metro Central Dubai – were recently added to the official list of ‘Dubai Assured approved establishments’, a Covid-19 health and safety compliance stamp awarded to hotels within the emirate that are compliant with the strict safety and hygiene measures, in line with international health and safety standards and protocols.
Commenting on Ascott’s continued commitment to guest and staff safety, and the partnership with Bureau Veritas, Mr. Alfred Ong, Head of Global Operations at The Ascott Limited, said: “At Ascott, we continue to place the health and well-being of our guests and staff as our top priority. As international travel gradually resumes, our partnership with Bureau Veritas offers our guests a greater peace of mind as they book their stay with Ascott. Our guests can continue to place their trust in Ascott to provide a home away from home that is comfortable, clean, secure and safe. With a safe working environment, our staff members are also able to better focus on caring for our guests. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests back home at Ascott.”
As part of the agreement, Bureau Veritas will conduct field audits at Ascott properties to ensure that the nine commitments under Ascott Cares meet the stringent requirements of Bureau Veritas’ inspection programme. Bureau Veritas’ auditors will verify if the properties have appropriate health, hygiene and safety procedures and processes in place, and are in line with globally recognised best practices on preventive measures in order to be certified with the Ascott Cares x Bureau Veritas Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label.
Juliano Cardoso, Executive Vice President, CIF Asia, Pacific and Middle East, Bureau Veritas, commented: “We are very pleased to work with Ascott properties globally. The Ascott Cares x Bureau Veritas Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label allows Ascott to attest its commitment to reassure its guests that appropriate health, hygiene and safety standards are met and ensure safe working conditions for its employees through a consistent approach across all its properties. During this current health crisis, ensuring compliance to recommended health, hygiene and safety standards are at the forefront throughout society. We are proud to play our part in Shaping a World of Trust.”
Within the Middle East and Turkey, Ascott currently operates the programme across its 11 operational properties, including: Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh and Ascott Corniche Al Khobar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); Somerset Panorama Muscat in Oman, Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain, Somerset Maslak Istanbul in Turkey; alongside the Dubai (UAE) properties – Ascott Park Place Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai.
For more information on Ascott Cares, please visit: www.the-ascott.com/ascottcares.
