Ascott houses health care workers, stranded guests

CapitaLand’s wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited, is leveraging its lodging expertise and resources to provide a safe haven for its guests worldwide, while extending its support to local government agencies and philanthropic organizations in the fight against COVID-19. Ascott has stepped up to provide a home away from home for health care workers, returning nationals, and guests who are affected by border closures or city lockdowns, migrant workers and others who have been stranded.
Kevin Goh, chief executive, lodging, CapitaLand Group and chief executive, Ascott, said: “We are lending our lodging expertise to provide safe abodes to our guests as well as affected communities who need alternative accommodation. For over 30 years, our guests around the world have made Ascott their home away from home, and we want to continue to make sure that home is the safest destination when they travel. Our doors and hearts remain open, and we look forward to welcoming our guests home.”
In an endeavor to offer moral support to the community in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Ascott rolled out its “Message of Hope” campaign through its social media channels. The campaign holistically reinforces the global message to stay safe at home during these uncertain times, while looking forward to better times.
With the support of CHF, the philanthropic arm of Ascott’s parent company CapitaLand, Ascott has pledged a total of $200,000 for Save the Children’s food security and assistance programs, to support about 12,000 underprivileged children affected by COVID-19.
Ascott organized a blood donation campaign in the UAE in March, donating 67 packets of blood to Dubai Blood Donation Center, helping to ensure sufficient supply in the city’s blood bank.
Ascott’s properties in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Turkey have placed increased efforts on ensuring guests experience all the home comforts they need in a safe environment, and that staff are working in a safe and sanitized setting.
Lene Chalhoub, a guest currently staying at Ascott Corniche Alkhobar, was stranded due to the sudden travel restrictions imposed globally. She said: “I was on a business trip to Alkhobar and got stuck when the airport was shut down. My stay since then has been so safe and the way everything has been handled at the property has been outstanding.”
“I remember asking for extra space to keep the food refrigerated and the general manager immediately offered to send me an extra fridge. Ascott Corniche Alkhobar will definitely remain my home away from home whenever I’m back here.”
Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s regional general manager for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “We are taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our short and long stay guests across our properties. We also want to go the extra mile and uplift their spirits during these challenging times, through small gestures such as fruit baskets, treats and thank you notes to guests, as well as added positivity through the ‘Message of Hope’ campaign, reminding them that there is light at the end of this tunnel.”