PPHE Hotel Group has unveiled plans for re-opening of its properties across Europe, as it continues to closely monitor customer demand as well as local government guidelines, the re-opening of international borders and easing of restrictions on movement, which vary between markets. The company has already undertaken fundamental changes to their workforce, through the use of government employment schemes, reductions in hours, voluntary payroll reductions, reducing overheads and, unfortunately, through redundancies. It is possible that a large number of redundancies may be necessary in the UK region to ensure the Group’s operational structure is fit for purpose and accords with guest demand for the short to medium term. The Group has and will continue to adapt to market conditions in a manner that preserves cash-on-hand, long-term growth prospects and is mindful of the culture and values of the Group.
In Croatia, following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Arena Hospitality Group d.d, 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, although demand remains subdued, a number of properties re-opened in May, adhering to social distancing rules with limited capacity and limited food & beverage offering. Current plans include the re-opening of selected hotels across the Netherlands and the United Kingdom through a phased approach from June and July respectively. Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London have remained open, with Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London welcoming essential workers.
In May, the company launched the ‘Reassuring Moments’ programme for its Park Plaza branded hotels and ‘be bold, be creative, be safe’ programme for the art’otel branded properties. These programmes are designed to uphold rigorous safety standards across both brands and provide effective and transparent communications to team members and guests about our safety procedures. The Group is also implementing a new 20-step protocol for hotels and 10-step protocol for meeting and event spaces in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group. These programmes, which have been created in line with World Health Organization recommendations, include contactless check-in and contactless transactions, increased cleaning and disinfection, improved air circulation processes, in-room dining, reduction of in-room furnishings, staff temperature checks, increased cleaning procedures, and new restaurant and bar layouts to ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines.
Boris Ivesha, President & Chief Executive Officer, 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 reopen our properties, creating growth opportunities and continuing to take active steps to maintain our financial position during periods of partial operations. The Group believes in creating valuable memories for guests through all elements of our hospitality offering. Each and every team member, past and present, has played an important role in the growth and success of the business. As we look with optimism toward the future, including the development of the art’otel london hoxton, we wish to express unreserved gratitude and respect for the talented team members that have left the Group. The successes of tomorrow are built by the contributions of the many individual team members, past and present, who make up the PPHE Hotel Group. 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.”
