Marriott Will Be Cutting 600 Employees From Orlando Area Hotels
The tourism industry in Orlando continues to struggle with consumer confidence yet to return after COVID-19 crisis. Today, various local news sources are reporting that Marriott just announced a round of job cuts to several of their properties. In a story that appeared on WESH this morning, the company sent a letter to the state announcing that they will cutting over 600 employees during the next few months.
In the letter, Marriott stated that COVID-19s impact on the hospitality industry as been “historic, swift and devastating.”
The largest majority of staff are being cut from the Orlando World Center Marriott hotel with additional workers being laid off at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. These lay-offs will be in place by the end of October.
In their report to the government Marriott said, “A careful review of business forecasts shows that challenging business conditions, including historically low hotel occupancy and mounting event cancellations, will extend into 2021. Based on these forecasts, it has been determined that job eliminations are required.”
The Orlando Business Journal reached out to Marriott and spokesperson Lucy Slosser said, “Business levels have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic, and continue to determine hotel operational and staffing adjustments.”
According to the Orlando Business Journal Report, Orlando resorts and hotels are currently sitting at a 29.3% average occupancy rate. Even though many of Orlando’s theme parks have already reopened, limited capacities, travel restrictions and decreased consumer confidence when it comes to travelling with family have had a massive impact on businesses in the area.
Orlando’s unemployment rate for July was 15.1% with job losses exceeding 110,000. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, about 70.58% of those unemployed were in roles connected to the leisure and hospitality sector.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep checking in with us for further news and updates.
Source: WESH, Orlando Business Journal