Story perspectives
Cuban Tourism Crisis Deepens as Hotels Close, Sanctions Tighten
6/4/2026
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Story summary
- The large Royalton hotel sign at Old Havana’s entrance was removed on Wednesday, signaling a deepening tourism crisis.
- Meliá announced on May 26 it will cease operations at 15 of its 34 Cuban hotels, after Cuban tourism fell 48% in Q1 2026, prompting drivers to say hotel closures will hurt families.
- U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions on Cuba, restricting travel for shareholders and investors.
