Meliá Reduces Hotel Availability in Cuba Amid Tourism Collapse
Spanish hotel chain temporarily closes three properties due to low occupancy, in the worst tourism crisis since the pandemic
Spanish hotel chain Meliá has reduced its hotel availability in Cuba, temporarily closing three of its properties on the island in response to dramatically declining occupancy levels.
”Strictly Operational” Decision
Company sources confirmed to EFE news agency that this decision was made to:
- Optimize resources
- Ensure the best service and experience for guests who do stay
The company did not specify which hotels were affected or their specific locations on the island.
Operational Guarantees
Despite the cutbacks, Meliá assured that:
“We currently have supplies on hand to support the operational continuity of our facilities on the island.”
Cuban tourism authorities, according to the hotel chain, have confirmed that fuel is available to guarantee normal operations at hotels that remain open.
Unprecedented Tourism Crisis
Meliá’s adjustment comes at the worst moment for Cuban tourism in decades:
| Year | Visitors | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4+ million | (pre-pandemic) |
| 2023 | 2.4 million | - |
| 2024 | 2.2 million | -8% |
| 2025 | 1.8 million | -18% |
| 2026 (target) | 2.6 million | (not achieved) |
The sector never recovered from the pandemic’s impact and, far from bouncing back, has suffered continuous decline since 2023.
Oil Blockade Impact
Adding to the structural decline is the energy crisis deepened by the Trump administration’s oil blockade:
- Air Canada: Suspended all flights until May
- Iberia and Air Europa: Making technical stops in Dominican Republic
- State hotels: Some closed with tourists relocated
- Power outages: Up to 20 hours daily in some provinces
Tour Operator Coordination
Meliá reported maintaining “close communication and collaboration” with tour operators to offer alternatives to guests affected by these adjustments.
Cuba’s tourism crisis threatens to deepen as long as fuel shortages persist and international airlines continue adjusting or canceling operations.
Source: OnCubaNews / EFE
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Meliá hotels have reduced operations in Cuba?
- Meliá has reduced availability at three of its hotels in Cuba, a decision the company describes as 'strictly based on occupancy levels.'
- Why is Meliá closing hotels in Cuba?
- The Spanish chain is looking to 'optimize resources' and 'ensure the best service' given low occupancy, worsened by the energy crisis and sustained decline in tourism.
- How many tourists visited Cuba in 2025?
- Cuba received just 1.8 million international visitors in 2025, well below the 2.2 million from the previous year and the 2.6 million the government had projected.
- How does the fuel crisis affect tourism?
- Fuel shortages have caused Air Canada to suspend flights, forced Spanish airlines to make technical stops, led to state hotel closures, and required tourist relocations.
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