The Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International claims that power outages, supply issues, and the impact of negative news are responsible for the significant decline in tourism in Cuba.
In a recent report on the results of the first quarter of 2025, Meliá's executives stated: "In Cuba, the situation remains complicated, with no clear signs of improvement in supply issues and energy shortages. The coverage and impact of the news have negatively affected the tourism sector."
Negative performance in contrast to the rest of the world
While Meliá reported a positive performance in all the regions where it operates, Cuba was the only exception. Consolidated revenues increased by 0.8% compared to the same period in 2024, excluding capital gains.
However, this overall improvement was undermined by the decline in management fee income on the island, which represented a loss of approximately 5 million euros.
The company details that, despite the strong international demand, the decrease in length of stays and hotel rates in Cuba has negatively impacted its operations, with a RevPAR (revenue per available room) dropping by 20.8%, now standing at €37.6.
In addition, hotel occupancy decreased to 40.5%, which is 6.4 percentage points lower than in the first quarter of the previous year.
Cancelled flights and lost destinations
One of the most alarming factors in the report is the reduction of air operations to Cuba, estimated at 12%. Some countries have completely canceled their flights to the Caribbean destination.
Meliá specifically mentions the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Argentina, whose airlines have eliminated their routes to Cuba, while other regions have drastically reduced their air capacity.
The chain believes that "reversing this trend will depend on finding a solution to the air transport issue," whose total impact is estimated to be a 20% decrease in capacity compared to the same period last year.
A deteriorated tourist scene
The report also highlights the challenging operational reality in Cuba: fewer stays, lower rates, and reduced demand in key source markets, especially during the high season.
This negative perception, according to the executives, is reinforced by the media coverage. However, articles in the independent press reflect repeated complaints about poor services in hotels, power outages, garbage accumulation, and increasing public insecurity.
Platforms like Tripadvisor have collected numerous reviews from tourists regarding the quality of service on the island, contrasting with recent publications from the state media that promote Cuban hotels, including some operated by Meliá, as "the best in the Caribbean".
The report from the Spanish company makes it clear that there is a structural crisis in the Cuban tourism sector, which affects both the international perception of the destination and its financial results.
Dismal prospects
Meliá warns that there are no clear signs of recovery on the island in the short term. The company maintains a lower booked position for Cuba compared to the same period last year, indicating that reservations for the upcoming months are also decreasing.
Unlike what happens in other destinations managed by the group, where even date changes during Holy Week did not impact demand, Cuba continues to lose tourist competitiveness in the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Decline of Tourism in Cuba
What are the main causes of the decline in tourism in Cuba?
Power outages, supply shortages, and the impact of negative news are the main causes identified by Meliá for the decline in tourism in Cuba. Additionally, the reduction in air operations and the poor perception of service quality on the island have significantly contributed to this situation.
How has the tourism crisis affected Meliá's operations in Cuba?
Meliá's RevPAR (revenue per available room) in Cuba plummeted by 20.8%, settling at 37.6 euros. Furthermore, hotel occupancy decreased to 40.5%, which reflects a significant negative impact on its operations compared to the positive performance in other regions of the world.
What impact does the reduction of flights to Cuba have on tourism?
The reduction of flights to Cuba has impacted the ability to receive tourists, with an estimated decrease of 12% in air operations. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Argentina have canceled their flights, worsening the tourism situation on the island.
What is the situation of the Cuban tourism market compared to other Caribbean destinations?
Cuba has lost competitiveness compared to other Caribbean destinations such as the Dominican Republic and Mexico, which offer better services, modern infrastructure, and more competitive prices. This has resulted in a diversion of tourists who previously chose Cuba.
What are the prospects for the recovery of tourism in Cuba?
There are no clear signs of short-term recovery for tourism in Cuba, according to the Meliá report. The situation remains challenging due to structural issues such as the energy crisis, the negative perception of the destination, and the reduction of international flights.
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