Soccer, Cirque du Soleil and the country’s economic situation are some of the reasons why only 67 percent of hotel rooms in Costa Rica are occupied during mid-year vacations, according to the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH).
Current occupancy is four percent lower than that recorded last year, and CCH members described this season as “not good at all” because Ticos have been opting mostly for one-day trips.
A survey conducted by the CCH last month showed its members expected 62 percent of hotel rooms would be occupied during this period.
They said the country’s economic situation and recent increases in public services tariffs forced Ticos to look for alternatives to hotels for their vacations.
They also believe that recent activities such as the visit of Cirque du Soleil and the sale of tickets for the National Football Team match against the United States generated expenses that came out of a family’s vacation budget.
The CCH also said they are facing unfair competition from private condo rentals, mainly at the country’s beaches, which offer lower rates than hotels.
Mid-year vacations end next weekend.
