PPHE Hotel Group said that it had seen “subdued demand” at several hotels in Germany and Hungary and was planning to open selected hotels in the Netherlands and the UK.
The company said that it was possible that “a large number of redundancies” may be necessary in the UK region to ensure that group’s operational structure was fit for purpose and in line with guest demand for the short to medium term.
Boris Ivesha, president & CEO, PPHE said: “We are continuing to adapt to the unprecedented environment. As the impact of Covid-19 begins to ease and restrictions are lifted, our focus now turns to gradually reopening our properties, creating growth opportunities and continuing to take active steps to maintain our financial position during periods of partial operations.
“Our enhanced safety protocols are our way of reassuring team members and guests that they are looked after and welcome to once again enjoy our hotels and services. We eagerly look forward to getting back into the business of helping create valuable memories for guests.”
The group described the environment as “dynamic” and said that it would monitor customer demand as well as local government guidelines, the re-opening of international borders and easing of restrictions on movement, which varied between markets.
In Croatia, following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Arena Hospitality Group, in which the group holds a controlling ownership interest, has re-opened its campsites on the Istrian Peninsula, and anticipates further openings of selected hotels and resorts over the coming two weeks.
In Germany and Hungary a number of properties re-opened in May, adhering to social distancing rules with limited capacity and limited food & beverage offering.
Current plans were to open selected hotels across the Netherlands and the UK through a phased approach from June and July respectively, subject to customer demand and local government legislation and guidelines, and with a limited service offering.
The group’s flagship hotels Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London have remained open, with Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London welcoming essential workers. The company said that this had enabled the group “to take practical learnings which will be applied across our portfolio”.