In Focus: How This Hotel Group Amps Up Its Safety Standards In Time Of Pandemic Panic

The hospitality industry has been tremendously affected by COVID-19, with research group McKinsey predicting back to pre-COVID-19 level operations only to happen in 2023 "or later." In the meantime, en route to full recovery, many hotels and resorts are grooming their businesses to be risk-free sanctuaries. How? By constantly assuring guests health and safety as paramount priority, exhibited through above-standard hygiene and cleanliness measures.

International lodging owner operators The Ascott Limited (Ascott), for example, has signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas, a world-leading provider in testing, inspection, and certification. The mission: To provide independent audits and certification for the hygiene and safety standards of Ascott’s properties worldwide.

As part of its Ascott Cares commitment, Ascott has launched "The Ascott Cares x Bureau Veritas Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label" last May.

Alfred Ong, Head of The Ascott Limited's Global Operations stressed, “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 not only comfortable, but also clean, secure and safe. With a safe working environment, our staff are also able to better focus on caring for our guests. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests back home at Ascott,” he added.

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Ascott Cares - Our Commitment to Hygiene, Cleanliness and Safe Distancing. As we adapt to this new normal amid and after COVID-19, we are committed to providing enhanced hygiene and safety standards in our properties globally across various touchpoints. With Ascott Cares, we hope you and your family can continue to enjoy our serviced residence and hotel properties as your accommodation of choice and the preferred place to live and work in full confidence. The safety and comfort of our guests, staff and partners have always been our priority and we are ready to welcome you home as you look ahead to future travel and living plans. Follow us as we share more details on each of our 9 commitments in the coming weeks! Find out more on our 9 Ascott Cares commitments for your next visit via profile link or bit.ly/ASCOTTCARESIGOR20200528 #AscottPH #AscottCares #Citadines #Somerset #ServicedResidence

A post shared by Ascott Philippines (@ascottph) on May 29, 2020 at 10:14pm PDT

The breakdown: Bureau Veritas were to conduct field audits at Ascott properties to ensure that the nine commitments under Ascott Cares meet the stringent requirements of Bureau Veritas’ inspection program. Bureau Veritas’ auditors were to 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.

“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," Juliano Cardoso, Executive Vice President, CIF Asia, Pacific and Middle East, Bureau Veritas, explained.

"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," she declared.

Now, if only the rest of the hospital industry follows suit on its way to recovery!

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Photo courtesy of The Ascott