Stamford temporarily closes several properties in Australia and NZ

Stamford Hotels and Resorts has shut the doors on some of its hotels in Australia and New Zealand due to a severe downturn in business amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

CEO Ow Yew Heng revealed in an update the closure of five of the hospitality company’s properties from 31 March: Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Stamford Plaza Adelaide, Stamford Grand Adelaide, and Stamford Plaza Auckland.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay and Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport will remain open with “severe” restrictions on their services.

Yew Heng said Stamford was in support of Australia and New Zealand’s imposed travel restrictions; however, he noted these have “significantly” impacted the company.

“Essentially, this has led to a severe downturn in our business and a stoppage of the vast majority of work that our employees carry out on a daily basis,” he said.

“Given the current government restrictions on travel and hospitality in Australia and New Zealand, and to support the health and wellbeing of our guests, hotel colleagues and the wider community, we have made the very difficult decision to temporarily close some hotels from 31 March 2020, until such time as restrictions are lifted and our business can resume as normal.

“Stamford Hotels and Resorts remain committed to working with our key suppliers, clients, partners and staff in the future, and look forward to the time we can resume normal business operations.”

It is not yet clear of the extent of the specific financial impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Stamford Hotels and its properties.

Travel Weekly has contacted the company for comment.

It comes as Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group issued their own messages to stakeholders on the impacts that COVID-19 is having on their businesses, with each pointing to positive signs of recovery in Greater China.

Featured image: Stamford Grand Adelaide and Moseley Square (iStock.com/moisseyev)