The Spanish hotel giant Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to close 15 hotels in Cuba as US sanctions against the Caribbean island take a stranglehold.
The latest round of US sanctions, signed by an executive order from US president Donald Trump, freezes foreign companies’ assets, seizes their US accounts, and prohibits travel for shareholders, investors, and employees.
Melia said that as part of its ongoing and rigorous risk assessment process, it has taken the decision to immediately cease the provision of management and commercialisation services, as well as the licensing of its hotel brands, in relation to 15 hotels located in Cuba, news hub Travel Mole reported.
The hotels include the Gran Hotel Bristol Habana Vieja in the capital of Havana (above) along with properties in the resort enclave of Varadero and in Santa María.
The hotel group said the closures reflected "a strong commitment to responsible business conduct".
It added: "It reflects a combination of external circumstances beyond Meliá’s control, which have materially affected the operational, legal, and security conditions necessary to ensure the proper delivery of services at these properties."
Another Spanish hotel operator, Iberostar, said it would end its partnership to run 12 hotels for Gaviota, a Cuban tourism company.
As a result of US sanctions, Cuba has been suffering from energy issues - and often long power outages - and a lack of demand.
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