Melia of Spain Shuts Down 50% of Its Hotels in Cuba

[El Presidente]

 

Executives from the Spanish hotel chain say that domestic tourism accounts for “virtually all reservations for the hotels that remain open”.

HAVANA TIMES – The Spanish chain Melia Hotels International has reduced its operations in Cuba to the point that approximately 50% of its hotel capacity on the island is now out of service. The decision, adopted gradually during the first quarter of the year, responds to the energy crisis, fuel shortages, and the decline in international air connections, according to the company’s financial results cited Thursday by the Spanish newspaper ABC.

The Mallorca-based company, one of the largest foreign operators in Cuba’s tourism sector, did not specify how many or which hotels remain closed. However, it acknowledged that by the end of March it was operating only about half of its hotel inventory in the country, where it currently manages 34 establishments and more than 5,000 rooms.

The chain also acknowledged that the establishments still operating depend almost entirely on domestic tourism, which represents “virtually all reservations for the hotels that remain open.” However, that market is insufficient to offset the decline in foreign visitors. In practice, the company has been forced to reduce its operational presence in the country while awaiting a possible normalization of energy supplies and a recovery in international demand.

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