The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, located in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste, laid off 68 employees last week, due to low season visits.

The hotel, by way of its corporate communications, confirmed the layoffs on August 20, saying it was necessary to adjust for the low vacancy rate it has experienced since July.

In the statement, the hotel said, “vacancy varies throughout the year at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. This forces us to adjust and optimize our resources regularly and prepare for less intense activity that began in July”.

The hotel assures that the employees were paid all their full severance pay and have the opportunity to re-apply for temporary jobs that are expected to come available in November and December, the start of the “high tourist” season.

The president of the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur), Isabel Vargas, said layoffs are part of normal management for tourism related companies during the low season.

According to Canatur data, hotel occupancy this year fell 12% over last year.

Article by QCostaRica.com