Key facts
- Meliá will close its hotels in Cuba.
- The closures are attributed to struggles in the tourism sector and new U.S. sanctions.
- An upheld oil embargo also contributes to the decision.
- The move impacts Cuba's vital tourism industry.
The Spanish hotel chain Meliá has announced its intention to close its hotels in Cuba. This decision comes amid broader challenges faced by companies with a long-standing presence on the island, including new U.S. sanctions and an upheld oil embargo. The closures represent another significant blow to Cuba's tourism sector, a critical component of its national economy. The move is expected to further hinder the island's capacity to attract international visitors and generate essential revenue from tourism.