Spanish hotel chain ceases operations in Cuba under pressure from Washington

Core point

The Spanish hotel chain Meliá is ceasing all operations in Cuba due to difficulties in doing business under US sanctions. The company stated that it is impossible to maintain operational stability in Cuba. Meliá was the first Spanish hotel group to establish a presence in Cuba after the tourism sector opened to foreigners in the 1990s. The latest sanctions were ordered by Donald Trump and target a broad set of individuals and foreign companies.