Due to the poor business climate of the country, Marriott’s Crystal Shores timeshare has laid off its on-site sales and marketing staff.

According to speculation, the total number of employees that lost their jobs were 40, but this statistic was not confirmed by Marriott corporate management.

The move follows indications that the recession was affecting the timeshare resort.

Last May, company representatives told the city council that they needed to delay the construction of pending timeshares due to a significant dip in sales.

“After careful consideration, a decision was made to suspend on-site sales and marketing efforts supporting Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island,” said Edward Kinney, VP of Corporate Affairs and Brand Awareness for the Marriott Vacation Club. “While the local sales gallery will close in a few weeks, sales will continue through other channels. We will continue to monitor the business climate for future use of the sales gallery.”

Kinney was quick to assert that the sales gallery will continue to develop for future phases according to schedule.

“Our management and associates at this beach front resort will continue to deliver the vacation experiences our owners and guests have come to expect from Marriott Vacation Club,” Kinney said.

Crystal Shores is located at the former Radisson Suite Beach Resort on Collier Boulevard near the south of the island. It opened last January and the completion of the project is now expected at 2015 after originally aiming at 2011.

Source: Marco Eagle