One of the Island's most successful hotels is reportedly laying off 17 staff members as tourism numbers continue to plummet in the aftermath of the recent attacks in the US.

According to electronic media reports last night, the Fairmont Southampton Princess made 12 employees redundant and has laid off seven others for a four month period.

Norman Mastalir, the hotel's general manager, was unavailable for comment last night.

The hotel's occupancy levels have reportedly fallen from 80 percent to less than 40 percent for the month of October, however the management hope the bookings cancellations have now levelled off.