Following press reports regarding the exit of Meliá and other hotel chains from Cuba, José Antonio Aguilera, the Tourism Counselor for the Southern Cone, reassured that "hotels on the island remain open, and the destination continues to operate normally."
The recent decision by some international hotel groups to conclude their management operations in Cuban destinations has sparked inquiries among tour operators and travel agencies across the Southern Cone.
However, "the island's hotel infrastructure maintains full operational normalcy, and there is no impact on travelers," the executive told Prensa Latina.
Aguilera explained that the announcements issued in recent weeks represent corporate decisions made by the companies themselves. These moves are a response to a complex economic landscape shaped, among other factors, by the tightening of unilateral coercive measures and the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States against the island.
He further noted that the decades-long partnership with international groups such as Meliá, Iberostar, and Barceló has allowed Cuba to develop robust management capabilities and train highly qualified professionals to seamlessly assume the operational continuity of these properties.
"Cuba has acquired the necessary know-how to guarantee the service standards and quality that define our destination. The hotels remain open and are operating under domestic brands, with no disruption in service delivery," the Counselor stated.
He added that since June, the properties transitioned to direct management by Cuban companies have remained fully operational, successfully hosting both domestic and international visitors.
The destination's primary strength, he noted, remains its people and the comprehensive experience it offers to those who visit the island.
"Cuba continues to welcome its visitors with the signature hospitality, warmth, and safety that have always set us apart. That commitment remains completely intact," Aguilera emphasized.
For the Argentine market—the primary source of Southern Cone tourists to Cuba—the executive's message is clear: "The destination remains open, fully operational, and committed to further strengthening commercial ties with the region's agencies, tour operators, and airlines."
The Counselor also pointed out that the country’s ongoing economic reform process opens up new horizons for foreign participation in the tourism sector.
He added that recent measures announced by the Cuban government include opportunities for investment projects, hotel management contracts, and tourism-related real estate developments.
In fact, the Italian hotel chain Domina—founded in 2000 with a portfolio of more than 40 properties and holiday resorts across Europe (including Italy, Latvia, Estonia, and Hungary) and Africa (notably Egypt)—recently finalized an agreement with Cuban tourism authorities to manage and operate several hotels.
"We are confident that these new opportunities will attract other international operators interested in contributing to the growth of Cuban tourism. We will guarantee service continuity while continuing to elevate quality standards, ensuring Cuba remains a benchmark for Caribbean tourism," Aguilera concluded.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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