Due to the impact of COVID-19, 'Trump Hotel' also suspends operations one after another

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), hotels owned by U.S. President Donald Trump, a real estate and hotel tycoon, are also facing difficulties such as suspending operations or laying off employees, the Washington Post (WP) reported on the 21st (local time).

As COVID-19 infections surged in the U.S. and fear spread, customer visits sharply declined, and with an increasing number of states ordering business closures, at least four of President Trump's companies have suspended operations, and layoffs have occurred at three hotels.

Florida ordered all restaurants and bars to close, imposing special regulations on several locations including Palm Beach County, where the Mar-a-Lago Club, also used as President Trump's private residence, is located. The Mar-a-Lago Club announced in a message sent to members the previous day that it would close the tennis courts and beach club, which had been the last facilities operating within the hotel.

Earlier, the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas also closed following a statewide order in Nevada. It has suspended operations until at least the 17th of next month, and some employees have already been laid off.

The hotel located in New York was still operating as of the previous day, but in a letter sent to investors, it stated, "We cannot predict how long this unprecedented situation will last. The hotel anticipates a significant decline in revenue." It is reported that 51 out of more than 300 employees were laid off as of the 19th.

The 'Trump International Hotel' in Washington DC also saw its occupancy rate drop to about 5%, resulting in 160 employees being laid off. This hotel ceased restaurant and bar operations following orders from the Washington DC local government but reportedly remains open.

President Trump's family business, the 'Trump Organization,' said in a spokesperson's statement, "Various facilities have temporarily closed in accordance with state and federal orders," adding, "We eagerly await the end of this pandemic and the reopening of our world-class facilities."

WP reported that "President Trump owns seven hotels in the U.S.," noting that other large hotels in Miami, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Chicago, Illinois, have partially or fully closed their restaurants. Additionally, other facilities such as the Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey and the Los Angeles Golf Club in California have also suspended operations.