Photo: Ascott
CapitaLand’s wholly-owned lodging business unit The Ascott Limited is collaborating with International SOS to offer guests global access to telehealth, telecounselling and travel security advisory services.
Through the partnership, Ascott will provide the services on a complimentary basis to guests across 200 properties in 27 countries from June 1.
Ascott’s guests who require telehealth assistance or telecounselling can call the property’s front desk from their apartments, where they will subsequently be connected to International SOS' health experts. The centres operate 24 hours daily, seven days a week and can provide assistance in 99 languages and dialects.
Depending on the guest’s medical condition, International SOS’ health experts will provide medical advice or may refer the guest for teleconsultation, in-person consultation or telecounselling with their global network of over 90,000 accredited medical service providers, including clinics and hospitals.
Additional charges will apply for assistance on matters including medication, non-life-threatening ailments, acute and chronic illnesses, arrange for medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as outpatient case management.
International SOS will also provide travel security advisory and assistance to Ascott’s guests, including advice on security matters including the choice of safe ground transportation, as well as verification and updates on in-country incidents, such as street protests, natural disasters, travel restrictions and security threats.
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With International SOS’ assistance, Ascott can advise its guests on the latest developments, implement in-property security protocols and safeguards, or work with International SOS to arrange travel security solutions to further assist its guests.
Kevin Goh, CapitaLand’s CEO for lodging and CEO of Ascott, says that the new services are part of its ‘Ascott Cares’ commitment to improving the overall wellness and safety of its guests, especially amidst the pandemic.
“As the world’s first hospitality company to provide global access to telehealth, telecounselling and travel security advisory services for our guests, our guests can have greater peace of mind that they are able to receive on-demand quality care from medical and security experts, and feel safe when they stay with us,” Goh says.
Dr Pascal Rey-Herme, co-founder and group medical director of International SOS, notes that the collaboration is a world-first for the hospitality industry, and also marks an important step towards recovery for the sector.
Shares in CapitaLand closed 2 cents or 0.54% lower at $3.66 on May 28.
