Spanish hotel exits from Cuba linked to US pressure and local service declines

Reports indicate that the departure of major Spanish hotel chains from Cuba, including Meliá Hotels International, was driven by significant pressure from the Donald Trump administration. According to journalist Matías Vallés in Diario de Mallorca, US officials allegedly threatened Spanish entrepreneurs with expulsion from the US market and restrictions on international operations, such as limiting access to electronic payment instruments and US-based financing, if they did not abandon their Cuban businesses.

Simultaneously, local dissatisfaction with Cuban state-run tourism is rising. A recent viral account detailed a highly disappointing experience at the historic Grand Hotel in Camagüey, managed by the state-owned Islazul chain. The visitor reported failures in promised amenities, including poor pool conditions, inadequate food service, and unhygienic conditions. Social media comments echoed these sentiments, suggesting a long-term decline in the quality of service and maintenance at one of the province's most iconic establishments.