Ascott scouting for location of Citadines

MANILA, Philippines - Serviced residence owner – operator The Ascott Ltd. is looking for locations for its new Citadines projects as it banks on that brand to drive its expansion in the country.

Joanne Golong-Gomez, director of sales and marketing at Ascott told reporters the firm is looking for new locations, particularly in secondary cities to undertake new projects.

“We are looking to expand in secondary cities where we will introduce Citadines,” she said.

“Citadines is our growth brand for expansion,” she added, noting that the brand would cater to young travellers on project assignments.

The firm is also scouting locations for other brands of Ascott which caters to top executives, and for the Somerset brand which caters to families.

Ascott, which offers units targeted for the corporate market, plans to expand in the country given the expected increase in travellers on extended stay amid favorable economic conditions.

“Even with a lot of inventory being introduced in the market, we still have an edge…We offer more flexibility,” Gomez said, putting that all their serviced apartments have a kitchen and lounge area.

At present, the firm has four operating projects in the Philippines: Ascott Makati, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Somerset Millennium Makati and Somerset Olympia Makati.

Gomez said the firm is on track with its expansion plans in the country as Citadines Millennium Ortigas is expected to be completed within the first-half of next year.