The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has gained GSTC-Committed status for its adoption (without amendment) of the GSTC Industry Criteria v3.0.

Ascott, a lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment, is a hospitality company with more than 950 properties globally, spanning over 220 cities across more than 40 countries. 

Ascott CARES, its sustainability programme, is centered around five pillars representing the acronym CARES – Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment and Supply chain. Read more about Ascott’s commitments to sustainability here. 

Gaining GSTC-Committed status confirms that Ascott has adopted the GSTC Criteria with a clearly documented plan and implementation, which the GSTC reviewed. 

GSTC-Committed does not ensure certification, accreditation, or recognition, but only that the GSTC Criteria is implemented to the organization’s policy, plan, and operation. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

The stated scope and applicability of the GSTC Industry Criteria include corporate offices and globally managed branded properties. The scope of GSTC-Committed of the GSTC Industry Criteria is currently for accommodation facilities and tour operators. The status of GSTC-Committed will remain valid until either the GSTC Industry Criteria are updated or the GSTC Membership expires.

By 2028, Ascott aims to have 100% of its global portfolio of properties certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body where applicable*. In Singapore, over 95% of accommodation units across Ascott’s managed properties are slated to be GSTC-Certified by the end of 2024. As part of the country’s national roadmap for hotel sustainability, at least 60% of all hotel room stock in Singapore are to achieve internationally-recognized sustainability certifications by 2025.

Last year, Ascott and GSTC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly train and equip industry leaders and professionals in Singapore on principles and best practices in sustainability. 

“Sustainability has been a key priority for us and continues to be an integral part of Ascott’s business. With a portfolio of over 950 properties globally, it is essential for our teams to be guided by a structured framework which aligns our growth strategy with environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. The GSTC Criteria has played a big role in the development of our framework, strengthening it with a globally-recognised standard that our teams can abide by, as we remain focused in our efforts to stay committed to sustainability,” said Ms. Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment.

“The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO. 

About the GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are three sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/ 

About The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with over 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.

Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at www.discoverasr.com/ascottunlimited.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

* Managed and branded with more than two years of operations.

Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.