United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Melia CEO banned from US over Cuba hotels
Spanish hotel group Melia says its chief executive has been deemed persona non grata by the US administration.
Melia CEO Gabriel Escarrer has been banned from entering the US due to the company’s dealings in Cuba.
Melia Hotels International said up to 50 other companies have been sanctioned in this way but gave no details.
It is part of the administration’s strong arm tactics to enforce Title IV of the Helms-Burton act any way it can.
It relates to doing business in Cuba on land or property allegedly confiscated by the state after the 1959 revolution.
The US has no authority to kick Melia and other foreign firms out of Cuba.
A Spanish court threw out a $11 million lawsuit filed by a Cuban-American family over two hotels Melia manages in Holguin, Cuba.
Melia is now seeking assistance from Spain and the European Union to resolve the issue.
"We reiterate our respect and confidence in them … insisting once again on the loyalty, legality and responsibility with which our subsidiaries have always carried out their business management in Cuba," it said.
Melia owns no real estate assets in Cuba and only holds a management contract for hotels.
The EU says the US action is a violation of international; law.
The European Union’s ambassador in Havana, Alberto Navarro, criticized the US stance and told Reuters this was the only action against a European company that he was aware of so far.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled