Hilton to Cut 2,100 Corporate Jobs Globally

Hilton to Cut 2,100 Corporate Jobs Globally
The logo of Hilton hotel is seen in Batumi, Ga., on May 2, 2016. David Mdzinarishvili/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:
Hotel chain Hilton Worldwide Holdings said on June 16 it would cut about 22 percent of its corporate workforce, or 2,100 jobs, following the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus outbreak that has ravaged the global travel industry.

Hilton’s announcement comes as the hotel industry has been among the worst hit by the pandemic, with travelers forced to cancel bookings and stay at home due to government-enforced lockdowns.

Rivals Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels have also laid off or furloughed thousands of employees as bookings plunged.

Most hotel operators have signaled that a fall in bookings would hit a bottom in the second quarter, with a turnaround already taking place in key markets such as China, as the world’s second-largest economy gradually reopens for business.

Hilton said it is also extending previously announced furloughs, reduced hours, and corporate pay cuts for up to an additional three months.

“Never in Hilton’s 101-year history has our industry faced a global crisis that brings travel to a virtual standstill,” Chief Executive Officer Christopher Nassetta said.

Hilton’s corporate staff numbered 9,600 workers globally, while total employees were 173,000 at the end of 2019.

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.