"COVID-19 Causes Drop in Tourists: First Reduction of London Tower Guards in 530 Years"

"Saving Labor Costs Is the Only Option We Have"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Yeongguk London Tower Guards have decided to reduce their numbers for the first time in over 530 years, BBC and other media reported on the 20th (local time).

According to the report, the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) announced that due to a decrease in tourists caused by the COVID-19 situation, they will eliminate six sites where the guards were stationed and reduce the number of guards as a cost-saving measure. HRP spent 32 million pounds last year operating the six sites. HRP is currently conducting a voluntary retirement process and added that the next step could be layoffs.

John Barnes, HRP Chief Executive, said, "Tourists account for 80% of HRP's income," adding, "We have taken every possible measure to secure financial stability, but more measures are needed for long-term sustainability. Saving on labor costs is the only option we have."

Established in 1485, the Yeongguk Tower Guards originally served as guards of the London Tower, but as times changed, they took on roles such as guiding and explaining to tourists while wearing their red uniforms. The number of London Tower tourists, which reached 3 million in 2018, sharply declined recently due to the COVID-19 impact, resulting in a deficit of 98 million pounds this year. Currently, there are 37 guards.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.