Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20) — Makati Shangri-la will be closing its doors for the meantime beginning February.
“Owing to continued low business levels and having considered all viable options over weeks of consideration and deliberation, we unfortunately must now make the extremely difficult decision to reorganise our workforce and operations in the Philippines as we continue to navigate an uncertain business environment,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
With this, the luxury hotel group will be parting ways with a number of its colleagues and temporarily closing Makati Shangri-La, Manila on February 1, the statement read.
Meanwhile, affected personnel will be provided a “fair” compensation package higher than local statutory guidelines and healthcare coverage and grocery support until year-end.
“We continue to vigilantly monitor local and global developments and look forward to reopening Makati Shangri-La, Manila at a later date when business conditions have improved,” the spokesperson added.
In a separate statement, the Tourism Department said it was “saddened” by the hotel’s temporary closure.
“The hotel has been a pillar in the tourism industry in the country and has contributed to positioning the country in the region and around the globe,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, adding they are hopeful Makati Shangri-la will reopen its doors to local and international clients soon.
The official likewise assured the DOT will keep spearheading the tourism sector’s recovery and assist its stakeholders in the said industry.
Makati Shangri-La is one of the 15 hotels accredited by the agency to host staycations under present quarantine guidelines.
CNN Philippines correspondents Paolo Barcelon and Melissa Lopez contributed to this report.
