Hyatt to furlough employees
Hyatt Hotels Corp. will furlough or significantly cut back work schedules of about two-thirds of U.S. corporate employees. The furloughs and work reductions are scheduled to run from April 1 through the end of May and will also affect employees in other regions, a Hyatt spokesman said. Hyatt will fund health insurance premiums for the workers, and employees who aren’t sent home will take temporary pay cuts.
Read more at Crain’s Chicago Business
No Japan Olympics until 2021
Japan and the International Olympic Committee agreed Tuesday to push back the Summer Olympic Games to 2021.The decision came after multiple conversations between Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach. This marks only the fourth time in the history of the modern Olympics (which dates back to 1896), that the Games are being postponed.
Trump Hotels shuts down businesses
Trump Hotels shut down six of its top seven revenue-producing clubs and hotels due to restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The closures come as U.S. President Donald Trump is considering easing restrictions on movement sooner than federal public health experts recommend, in the name of reducing the virus’s economic damage.
How hoteliers are managing
In a recent webinar, hotel revenue management expert Sherri Kimes surveyed hoteliers affected by COVID-19 and asked about the kinds of tactics they’re taking to get through this global crisis. Hundreds hoteliers from over 70 countries weighed in. While some are cutting rates, the survey finds that’s not necessarily the most effective tool.
Oyo: Free stays for medical personnel
Oyo Hotels & Homes is offering free stays for medical first responders starting March 24. Personnel can sleep, shower or rest. The India-based company is offering a phone number and code that individuals with valid ID can use to stay in a room.
A rebound already?
After temporarily closing their doors, at least one of New York City’s largest hotel chains is already predicting a summer rebound. A Hilton spokeswoman told The New Post that the Hilton New York Midtown — New York’s largest hotel, with 1,878 rooms — would plan to welcome guests again in summer. The Hilton spokeswoman declined to offer specifics about when it might reopen in summer, but other hoteliers say they are betting on July.
India goes into ‘total lockdown’
India’s 1.3 billion population will go under “total lockdown” for 21 days to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday, warning that anyone outside risked inviting the virus inside their homes. Modi also pledged US$2 billion in an attempt to boost the country’s health care system.
Help for hoteliers
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is providing resources to help hotel and travel industry professionals stay informed about the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on hospitality and tourism industry sales, marketing, and revenue optimization, and put crisis management techniques into play through its Global Coronavirus Resources webpage. Additionally, the group released the HSMAI Special Report: Crisis Communications for Hospitality Marketing Professionals.
Disney reopens limited Shanghai operations
The COVID-19 outbreak in China forced the closure of Shanghai Disney Resort in late January. Earlier this month, Shanghai Disney Resort announced that some operations would tentatively resume on March 9. While Shanghai Disneyland Park remains closed, the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park have since resumed limited operations, and now, Lumiere’s Kitchen has reopened to guests.
Red Roof offers discounted stay for students
Red Roof has launched its Student Support Program to help students who can’t get home find stability and an immediate place to stay. The program provides students with a 30% discount per room for stays at participating locations across the country including Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ properties. Students looking for longer term accommodation, seven days or more, will also receive a $25 Amazon gift card to help purchase essential items.
Elsewhere
Radisson boosts UAE portfolio: Radisson Hotel Group has signed the Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah, its first beach resort in Dubai and third Radisson hotel in the United Arab Emirates, bringing its UAE portfolio to 23 hotels in operation and under development. The 389-room hotel will have five food and drink outlets.