Hilton Namibia General manager Martin Voskamp confirmed to Eagle FM that the establishment has so far retrenched 130 of its 200 employees including some of its executive management. 

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

This is despite the fact that Hilton plans to reopen on 01 August 2020. 

The opening depends on the government’s decision to reopen the borders for tourists. 

The Hilton Hotel sent 190 employees on unpaid leave earlier this year after the COVID-19 lockdown was announced. 

Hotel chain Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT.N) said on Tuesday it would cut about 22% of its corporate workforce, or 2,100 jobs, following the coronavirus outbreak that has ravaged the global travel industry.

Most hotel operators have signalled 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.

However, grades 11 and 12 will go ahead as planned with their November examinations and will not have any minimum promotional relaxation.