The Ascott Limited, a leading international hospitality company, will be redefining the industry once again with Citadines Bacolod City, the newest addition to its roster of properties. Located in the heart of Bacolod.  The premier-serviced residence, which marks Ascott's maiden entry into the city, is positioning itself as a game-changer in the local hospitality scene.

Bacolod City, known as the "City of Smiles" is a vibrant and progressive urban center located in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province and serves as its economic, cultural, and administrative hub. The city’s rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on its tourism and hospitality sector, transforming it into a thriving destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers.

Gearing up for 2024, Citadine’s targeted venture is Bacolod’s well-celebrated Masskara festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world. A part of their preparation was the exclusive VIP Night last October 19, which welcomed special guests Mr. Jose Franco Soberano, COO of Cebu Landmasters, Mr. Mathias Bergundthal, Director of SLI Hotels and Resorts, and Mr. Alec Lsutre, President of Capitaine Inc. The event gave a peek into the fun and excitement Citadines has planned for the upcoming year, featuring Masskara performers all night long - drummers, dancers, and singers - giving Bacolod a taste of what’s to come.

The VIP Night also explored “How Citadines will Change the Hospitality Landscape in Bacolod” with Ascott General Manager Philip Barnes, opening with an optimistic eye for the upcoming opening.

The Citadines brand is committed to providing a seamless blend of convenience, comfort, and connectivity to cater to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers. Each Citadines property exudes a distinct style and character, reflecting the local culture and community, while maintaining a consistent philosophy of “bringing you to the city, and the city to you”.

Looking forward to its opening in 2024, A property viewing was also integrated to boast the array of world-class amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. Showcasing the infinity pool, which offers stunning views of Bacolod's skyline, and the fully equipped fitness center to cater to health and wellness enthusiasts. Citadines excites everyone with a teaser of their several restaurants. For those wanting to try out local cuisines and regional specialties, stop by Citadines’ Negrense, your one-stop destination for all the delicacies Negros Occidental. The property’s team of chefs will collaborate with local cooks to deliver flavors unique to each city in the region.

Viennoiserie and Italian, Citadines Bacolod City’s lobby café and bakery, will treat guests with an irresistible blend of aromatic coffee experiences through its collaboration with Coffee Culture, a popular and innovative artisan coffee roaster of local and imported beans. Aligning with the property’s brand signature, “for the love of coffee”, guests can choose from a menu inspired by the local coffee culture and leisurely enjoy food and beverages in an ambiance that radiates comfort and sophistication. Viennoiserie and Italian’s skilled baristas are devoted to transforming each cup of coffee into a journey of flavors, using carefully sourced beans that reflect the essence of the region's coffee heritage.

The property also boasts a selection of versatile event spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings and occasions, such as a grand ballroom. This part of the property provides a spacious and versatile venue, making it an ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and adaptable layout, this pillarless marvel is poised to be a true game-changer in the MICE industry in the area, setting new standards for elegance, flexibility, and sophistication in event spaces.

"As a property managed by The Ascott Limited, Citadines Bacolod City exemplifies our commitment to providing a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch service," said Philip Barnes, the Ascott Limited’s Country General Manager. "We are delighted to bring this exceptional brand to Bacolod City and offer travelers a sophisticated stay experience."

The property’s strategic location puts it in close proximity to several of the city’s key amenities and facilities. This includes some of Bacolod City’s top universities, shopping malls, central business districts, and restaurants. Citadines Bacolod City’s central location makes it an attractive choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a well-connected base to explore the city's vibrant offerings.

Along with Bacolod’s rapid urban growth, Citadines Bacolod City’s establishment in the city can help pave the way for further economic boon for the area as a whole. The property’s capacity to become a MICE destination leader in the region can significantly contribute to the city’s revenue generation, business opportunities, and diversification of income. It can also help maintain the region’s occupancy levels, especially during special cultural events like the Masskara Festival, and promote the Ascott brand to the Visayas region.

In terms of future growth, Ascott believes Citadines Bacolod City presents a steep growth potential in the coming years. With Bacolod's popularity as a travel and business hub continuing to soar, the property is well-equipped to cater to the increasing demand for sophisticated accommodations and events facilities. Through its establishment in Bacolod, Ascott aims to strengthen its brand presence in the Panay area by exploring opportunities for expansion and enhancing guest experiences in other key cities within the region.

As Citadines Bacolod City opens its doors to the public, the property invites guests to indulge in a world-class stay experience, backed by Ascott's legacy of exceptional service and unparalleled hospitality. Guests can reserve and advance and look out for updates by visiting the property’s official website and the following social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.

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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 more than 930 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; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. 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.

For more information on Ascott’s industry record of close to 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook,  Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited (www.capitalandinvest.com)

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 June 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$89 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Oliveros | Account and Business Unit Director | Centaur Marketing

kelly@centaurmarketing.co

• 15.6% ROE and 1.6% ROA, still among the highest in the industry

• Sustained core business strength and stable asset quality: 2.2% NPL ratio and 126% NPL cover, both better than the industry average.

• Healthy cost-to-income ratio despite higher investments in technology and manpower development.