Macdonald Aviemore Resort announces re-opening

Macdonald Hotel Group has begun the phased re-opening of its flagship Aviemore Resort.

The four-star attraction is scheduled to open its doors to leisure guests from Wednesday (July 15), the earliest possible date allowed by Scottish Government guidelines.

MAR reports a significant rise in booking numbers already and is next week set to open three of its four local hotels, two restaurants and on-site cinema to accommodate guests.

A number of facilities are already operational within the resort including its self-catering lodges, Spey Valley retail shop and golf courses.

Plans are also in hand to open its leisure club and conference centre facilities when Scottish Government guidance permits.

Group managing director Gordon Fraser said: “We cannot overestimate the devastating impact this crisis has had on Scotland’s tourism and

hospitality industry.

“The financial pressures have been unprecedented, with no income at all over the past four months, whilst we have still been facing significant

costs, despite the furlough scheme.

“We do not anticipate our hotels will be able to operate at anything like full capacity for the foreseeable future, which has unfortunately forced us

into a process of redundancy consultations in an effort to bring our costs back into line with our dramatically reduced income.

“From the outset of the pandemic, our aim has been to preserve the future of the business, which will enable us to rebuild over the medium term. The phased re-opening of our hotels is a crucial first step in our recovery strategy.

“While it will take some time before the resort can operate at full capacity, due to social distancing measures, we are seeing a steady increase in bookings, which is encouraging.

“Very regrettably, it is likely that a large number of redundancies will be necessary, but we have pledged that we will continue to support staff currently living on site in employee accommodation for as long as we are able.

“This is a very challenging time for everyone involved and is something which no-one anticipated only a few short months ago, but we are facing

the same challenges as every other hotel group in the country as we work to overcome the difficulties posed by Covid.

“We are also working with the local council and national government bodies to ensure that all employees have access to external support networks.

“Macdonald Aviemore Resort remains a cornerstone of the Highland community and we understand its importance to the local economy.”

See also today's Strathspey and Badenoch Herald which is hot off the press.

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