By / ScenicSpots.com Editorial Team
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Howard Hotel, which has been in operation for over 50 years, announced on August 22, 2019, that it would cease operations by the end of October. (Photo / Howard Hotel, the same below)
Boasting decades of cultural heritage and emotional resonance, Howard Hotel holds cherished memories for generations of Kaohsiung residents—both young and old. On August 22, the hotel issued a public statement explaining that due to macroeconomic challenges, soaring rents and operational costs, as well as competition from new hotels, it would cease business from November onward.
![](\"/pic/20200122/82bf0b77351ca7de94326ccbf6d2b602.jpg\")
Boasting decades of cultural heritage and emotional resonance, Howard Hotel holds cherished memories for generations of Kaohsiung residents—both young and old. On August 22, the hotel issued a public statement explaining that due to macroeconomic challenges, soaring rents and operational costs, as well as competition from new hotels, it would cease business from November onward.
![](\"/pic/20200122/1aef2fb6e4068a5c5652e515de767240.jpg\")
Prior to this, both the Grand Hyatt International Hotel and the Grand 8 Group had announced closures in July. Whether under new ownership or completely shutting down, these moves have led to significant job losses among employees and reflect the tough challenges faced by many long-established tourism and leisure businesses in Kaohsiung, including the pressures of market transformation and intense competition.
On August 21, Howard Hotel’s former owner, Chang Ching-hui, along with over 60 employees, staged a protest blocking the path of Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu. Chang had also previously led a delegation of employees to the Legislative Yuan in Taipei to voice grievances. They expressed dissatisfaction over the rapid court-ordered auction that awarded management rights to Haidilao, and demanded 74 million NTD in severance pay and advance wages.
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