The increase in the presence of the Spanish hotel group Meliá in Cuba seems to be serious, despite the collapse of international tourism on the Island.
This was reported by the site HOSTELTUR, who in a communication with the company, ensured that it will soon open two new hotels on the island, as well as carry out an "ambitious refurbishment plan" that will extend until 2026.
The first hotel will be opened on the frontline at Las Coloradas Beach. Named Meliá Costa Rey, it is owned by the Gran Caribe Hotel Group and has 566 rooms.
It will also include the exclusive section The Level, which is intended only for adults. It will have six restaurants, bars, family rooms in the standard area, and multipurpose rooms for conventions.
The second one is Sol Hicacos Varadero, which is scheduled to open its doors on November 1 near the dolphinarium in that Matanzas locality.
This establishment, intended for guests aged 16 and over, will be the result of the transformation of the old Turquesa hotel.
The chain will also open a second Innside by Meliá hotel in the renowned Jagua hotel in the province of Cienfuegos by 2025, joining the Innside Habana Catedral in the Cuban capital, operated under the lifestyle brand.
On the other hand, they report on an "ambitious plan of reforms" in at least six hotels: Sol Palmeras, Meliá Varadero, and Meliá Las Antillas, the reforms will focus on the rooms; while in the hotels Meliá Las Américas, Meliá Habana, and Meliá Cayo Coco, the improvements will be more ambitious reaching common areas, restaurants, etc., HOSTELTUR reported.
Recently, Gabriel Escarrer, president of the Meliá group, said during the International Tourism Fair FitCuba 2024 that "our commitment to Cuba is unconditional and we have been showing it since 1989. Therefore, without a doubt, absolute commitment."
He also commented that growth in Cuba is "going very well. We are pleased with the work we have done with the Cuban authorities for the development of tourism in the country. So, we will continue there."
These projections contrast with the current conditions of tourism in Cuba, which, after aiming to receive 3.5 million international tourists last year, fell over 30% short of its expectations and didn't even reach three million foreign tourists in 2023.
However, at the end of April, the regime enthusiastically celebrated the arrival of one million visitors to the Island.
The experiences and opinions of international tourists are another area where Meliá should further expand its efforts, due to the complaints raised by visitors about the conditions in which hotels in Cuba are found.
Last April, a Canadian couple, who had fond memories of an idyllic vacation enjoyed in Cuba 30 years ago, decided to reminisce about the memory at the popular resort of Varadero, in the company of their children, and chose the Meliá Marina hotel, but the deplorable state of the facilities made them experience a real nightmare.
From the lobby to the lack of lights in the halls were some of the accounts given by this couple to a press outlet in their country of residence.
Also, a Cuban tourist complained about the shortage in the buffet service at the Meliá Las Antillas hotel, and warned people not to be deceived by the site's advertising, which shows succulent tables full of food.
In a report by Canal Caribe on Cuban television, the regime acknowledged the problems facing the country's tourism sector.
Insufficient air connectivity, payment delays to suppliers that interrupted the supply chain, and difficulties accessing the international market, among others, are the issues faced by the sector, according to the report.