The Ascott Limited has unveiled a groundbreaking Disability Inclusion Playbook, designed to advance inclusivity within the hospitality industry. Supported by SG Enable, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Valuable 500, this open-access resource aims to set a new standard for inclusive hospitality practices worldwide.
The playbook, launched at Citadines Science Park Singapore, was officiated by Eric Chua, Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Law. It offers comprehensive guidance across five key pillars: Inclusive Training, Spaces, Hiring, Digital Interfaces, and Programmes. These pillars are intended to empower accommodation providers to create welcoming environments for guests with disabilities, from pre-arrival to departure.
Ascott’s commitment to disability inclusion extends beyond the playbook. By 2026, the company plans to implement community programmes dedicated to disability inclusion at properties in every country it operates. Additionally, Ascott will begin reporting on the hiring of persons with disabilities in its annual sustainability reports. By 2027, all frontline associates will complete disability awareness training, and by 2028, all digital platforms will meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer for Lodging at CapitaLand Investment, stated, “Real inclusion requires more than guidance—it demands action, accountability, and shared learning.” She emphasised that the playbook is a practical resource developed in collaboration with disability inclusion experts, aiming to inspire other operators to join in this collective journey.
The playbook is part of Ascott’s broader initiative, following a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with SG Enable, marking a significant step in Singapore’s hospitality sector towards inclusivity. This collaboration has already led to the launch of Singapore’s first hospitality-specific disability inclusion training.
With an estimated 1.3 billion people globally living with permanent disabilities, Ascott’s initiative addresses a substantial yet underserved market in tourism and hospitality.
