Meliá Exits 15 Cuban Hotels Amid U.S. Sanctions Pressure

Spanish hotel group Meliá announced it will cease managing, marketing, and providing brand services for 15 hotels in Cuba. This decision comes just days before a U.S. deadline for foreign companies to sever ties with Gaesa, a Cuban economic-military conglomerate sanctioned by Washington.

The move by Meliá follows similar withdrawals by Spanish rival Iberostar and Canadian company Blue Diamond. These actions are a direct response to U.S. sanctions and pressure, particularly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in May tightening sanctions against Cuba, labeling the island a "threat" to U.S. national security.

Meliá cited the island's "geopolitical, social, legal and economic context" as the reason for its decision, stating that circumstances beyond its control have significantly impacted its operations and legal standing in those hotels. The company emphasized an "orderly disaffiliation" from the affected establishments.

Despite this significant reduction, Meliá clarified that it is not exiting Cuba entirely. The company continues to operate other hotels on the island, which remains a key market. However, Meliá acknowledged that the financial contribution from its Cuban operations has weakened in recent years amidst the escalating U.S. pressure.