On October 2, Fred J. Kleisner, chairman and chief executive officer of Wyndham International said that, although Wyndham International, like others in the industry, has experienced a slowdown, the 164 Wyndham-branded properties and the 69 non-proprietary branded properties continue to generate cash for the company and serve the needs of our guests.
"Although occupancy has not yet returned to former levels, during the past two weeks we have seen indications of improvement in demand through both hotel occupancy and Wyndham's Central Reservations," he says. "Further, the cancellations we experienced were concentrated to September and October and many of the group meetings are now rescheduled. We are confident that the immediate efforts of the federal government to provide assistance to the airline industry and increase airport security will help the entire hospitality and travel industry recover quickly."
Wyndham's plan for recovery has included the furlough or layoff of approximately 1,600 employees at both the property level and corporate headquarters, representing slightly more than percent of the total workforce. Additionally, a substantial number of employees are now working reduced hours; as hotel occupancies rise the employees are planned to again work full schedules. The Wyndham Operations Team continues to evaluate ways to reduce costs particularly in those select markets where occupancy has not yet rebounded.
Additionally, the company has put capital projects on-hold, but still plans to complete the Wyndham Newark Airport this year, according to a Wyndham press release. The chain also recently announced management and franchise contracts of newly branded properties: the Wyndham Sapphire Beach Club in St. Maarten, The Kelley House and The Harbour View, Wyndham Luxury Resorts in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and the Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport.