Cuba opens hotel sector to Cuban investors as Meliá and other foreign chains withdraw

Spanish hotel group Meliá Hoteles announced the immediate cessation of management and branding for 15 hotels in Cuba, stating that the decision stems from circumstances beyond its control. Most of the hotels were already closed due to energy shortages and a sharp drop in tourism demand. The withdrawal follows similar exits by Iberostar and Canada’s Blue Diamond after U.S. threats to freeze assets of firms supporting key Cuban economic sectors.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said the government will permit Cuban residents and expatriates to invest in and manage the affected hotels, proposing new business models with predominantly Cuban administration. He noted, “Habrá hoteles que tendremos que operar más con administración cubana…”, as the country faces new U.S. sanctions that compel foreign companies to end dealings with the Cuban military conglomerate GAESA and a tourism collapse linked to a U.S. oil embargo.