La chaîne hôtelière historique Meliá cesse ses activités à Cuba et annule tous ses services sur l'île

Meliá Hotels International has announced that its Portuguese subsidiary, Ilha Bela Gestão e Turismo, will cease all operations in Cuba as of July 24, 2026. The decision marks the end of the company’s long-standing presence in the country, which had included managing up to 34 hotels with nearly 14,000 rooms. This move follows a series of steps taken earlier this year, including the immediate withdrawal from management and brand usage at 15 initial properties. The final step involves the complete discontinuation of all services related to the company's operations in Cuba, including the use of authorized brands, reception activities, and associated supply chains. The decision comes after years of persistent operational, legal, economic, and financial challenges affecting the Cuban environment. According to Meliá, these difficulties have made it impossible to maintain even minimal operational stability. The company cited ongoing risks and uncertainties in the region as key factors influencing its strategic reassessment. In early June, Meliá had already notified regulatory authorities of the cancellation of contracts at 15 hotels, including notable properties such as the Gran Hotel Bristol Habana Vieja, Paradisus Varadero, and Sol Varadero Beach. These actions were part of a continuous risk evaluation process. The announcement was made through a filing with the Spanish Securities Market Commission, CNMV, and aligns with previous communications regarding relevant information. Meliá emphasized that it is applying the principle of prudent accounting, assessing the financial implications of exiting the Cuban market. This includes potential revisions to the book value of assets tied to the island. The company plans to detail the extent of this adjustment during the presentation of its first-half results for 2026. Ilha Bela has stated that it will continue executing necessary procedures to ensure a smooth transition, minimizing the impact of the cessation of activities. It also mentioned that protocols for transparent communication with employees, suppliers, and customers will be implemented throughout the process. Cuba has been under increasing geopolitical pressure, particularly due to U.S. policies aimed at restricting tourism and trade. Reports indicate that the U.S. government has accused Cuba of engaging in a decades-long campaign of espionage and subversion. This context has contributed to the instability that Meliá has described as making continued operations unsustainable. The first quarter of 2026 saw a severe impact on the company’s business in Cuba, according to its financial reports, with the sector being significantly compromised due to U.S. intervention in the region. The departure of Meliá from Cuba represents a major shift in the island’s tourism landscape. As one of the leading foreign operators, the company had played a central role in shaping the hospitality industry there. Its exit leaves a void that could affect both local employment and international visitor numbers. The company’s decision underscores the broader challenges faced by foreign businesses operating in Cuba amid complex political and economic conditions. With the formal end of operations set for late July, the focus will now shift to how the transition unfolds and what implications it holds for stakeholders involved.