The trend of foreign hotel closures in Cuba is expanding beyond Meliá, as Iberostar and Valentin Hotels & Resorts also begin to shutter some of their properties on the island. This move is part of a strategy to "optimize fuel management" and adjust to the significant decline in tourist demand.
These decisions come amid an ongoing energy crisis that has effectively brought the country to a standstill, severely impacting one of the few remaining sectors that still generates foreign currency.
Meliá had previously announced the closure of three of its locations as part of a "consolidation" plan initiated by Cuban tourism authorities. Now, Iberostar, which operates 35 hotels in Cuba, and Valentin Hotels & Resorts are following suit. Specifically, Valentin has confirmed the closure of the Valentin Perla Blanca located in Cayo Santa María.
Tourism Struggles as Airline Operations Halt
According to Diario de Mallorca, the situation has worsened with the complete suspension of Canadian airline operations to Cuba. Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have canceled their flights, which the industry describes as "the final blow" to an already declining tourism sector.
In 2025, nearly half of the tourists visiting Cuba—about 754,000—were Canadians, and their absence leaves a significant gap that's challenging to fill. With the fuel shortage causing numerous flight cancellations, hotels are left empty.
Hotels Hold On Despite Challenges
Mallorcan hotel operators emphasize that they have no plans to withdraw from Cuba entirely. "We don't intend to leave Cuba because it's a destination our customers want," stated representatives from Ávoris, a travel conglomerate within the Barceló Group.
However, the industry acknowledges a "waiting game," closely monitoring the evolving crisis. Barceló keeps its two hotels in Varadero open, Roc Hotels maintains three establishments on the island, and Blau operates three more between Havana and Varadero. Yet, their operations hinge on the availability of flights and fuel.
A Nation at a Standstill
The problem extends beyond temporary issues. The energy crisis has left Cuba without enough fuel for transportation, production, or basic operations, effectively halting tourism. Without oil for planes, stable electricity, and logistics, the island becomes an increasingly unviable destination.
This situation arises just as tourism should be a primary source of foreign income for a state struggling to sustain its economy. Meanwhile, the Cuban government's management is under scrutiny once again.
Lack of foresight, investment, and organization has pushed the country to a point where not only is fuel scarce for the population, but also for sustaining strategic sectors. Tourism, already worn down by years of poor administration, now faces another nearly fatal blow: closed hotels, suspended flights, and a fading destination right when it needs to shine brightest.
While hotel chains assure there will be no emergency evacuations and that Canadian tourists will return "at the pace of their vacation packages," the reality is stark: fewer planes, fewer open hotels, and fewer visitors.
This all unfolds in a nation that relies on tourism to survive.
Impact of Hotel Closures and Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are hotels in Cuba closing?
Hotels in Cuba are closing due to a severe energy crisis, a decline in tourist demand, and the suspension of flights from Canadian airlines, leading to empty hotels.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuban tourism?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused fuel shortages, limiting transportation and basic operations, and making the island a less viable tourist destination.
What is the response of hotel chains to the crisis?
Hotel chains like Iberostar and Valentin are closing some hotels but emphasize they do not plan to leave Cuba entirely, awaiting improvements in the situation.