-- All eligible properties certified in seven markets and regions, with Indonesia set to follow by end-2026
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a Singapore-headquartered global hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment, has achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification[1] for half[2] its eligible[3] portfolio. The milestone keeps Ascott, a long-standing GSTC-Committed member, on track to certify its entire eligible portfolio by 2028.
Ascott is the first hospitality company in the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan to have all its eligible properties GSTC-certified. It has also certified its full eligible portfolio in India, Laos, Europe and Australia. In Indonesia, Ascott expects all eligible properties to be certified by end-2026. This would add more than 50 properties to its certified portfolio and bring its share of certified portfolio to over 65%.
GSTC certification requires properties to pass independent audits by GSTC-accredited certification bodies against global criteria covering sustainable management, community impact, cultural heritage and the environmental stewardship. Ascott was among the first hospitality companies globally to attain GSTC-Committed Status in 2024, recognising its commitment to advancing the GSTC Standards and leading sustainability transformation across the tourism sector.
Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment and Managing Director, Japan and Korea, Ascott, said: “Sustainability certification is fast becoming a business differentiator. Travellers increasingly look for trusted credentials when they book, and corporate travel buyers expect them. GSTC certification gives guests confidence in our properties and improves our visibility across booking and distribution channels. It also drives operational efficiency and strengthens the long-term value and resilience of our portfolio.”
“This milestone reflects the commitment of our teams around the world and the strong support from our property owners and partners. It shows that doing well and doing good go hand in hand, creating value for our guests, owners and the communities where we operate,” she added.
“Congratulations to Ascott on reaching this important milestone in its journey toward full certification by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies. This achievement reflects Ascott’s sustained commitment to integrating the GSTC Standards across its global operations and demonstrates how a long-term sustainability strategy can translate into measurable progress. We value our continued collaboration with Ascott and look forward to seeing further progress toward its 2028 goal,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
Ascott’s sustainability efforts are guided by Ascott CARES, its global sustainability framework aligned with the GSTC Standards. Under this framework, Ascott launched the Ascott CarbonClear Initiative in 2024 to improve energy, water, waste and carbon performance across its properties, supporting its target of Net Zero (Scope 1 and 2) by 2050.
To help guests make more informed choices, Ascott highlights sustainability certification on relevant property pages on its global booking platform, DiscoverASR.com. Nearly 70% of its properties also display their carbon and water footprints, with further roll-out underway.
GSTC Hotel Standard in Action Across Ascott’s Portfolio
Australia: Advancing Accessibility and Community Impact
Quest became the first multi-site hotel brand in Australia to achieve Accessible Accommodation’s highest accreditation, with more than 90 properties certified accessible. Across the country, Ascott associates have contributed 498 volunteer hours and collected 2,400kg of food through Foodbank Australia initiatives to help address food insecurity. The team also supports vulnerable communities through partnerships with Housing All Australians, Sony Foundation and Project Net Zero.
India: Protecting Biodiversity and Reducing Waste
Somerset Greenways Chennai was the first property in Ascott’s global portfolio to achieve GSTC certification in 2023. The serviced residence has pioneered a fully automated water bottling system that eliminates the use of more than 168,000 single-use plastic bottles annually. Ascott’s teams in India have also supported the protection of endangered olive ridley turtles and coastal clean-ups.
Philippines: Restoring Communities and Green Spaces
All 25 of Ascott’s eligible properties in the Philippines have been GSTC-certified since 2024. Partnering with Rural Rising, the local team has planted more than 500 indigenous trees across multiple cities and helped turn a former dumpsite in Payatas, Metro Manila, into a community park. Ascott’s associates have also organised riverbank clean-ups across Luzon and the Visayas, collecting more than 600kg of waste to date.
For more information regarding Ascott’s sustainability commitments, please visit www.discoverasr.com/ascottcares.
[1] Note: The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-accredited.”
[2] As of October 2026, 169 out of 335 eligible properties are now certified by GSTC-accredited certification bodies.
[3] Note: Eligible properties refer to properties managed and branded by The Ascott Limited with more than 2 years of operation.
Release ID: 89209231
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