The departure of major hotel chains like Meliá, Iberostar, and Blue Diamond from Cuba follows US sanctions targeting the Gaesa conglomerate, which owns these businesses. The US government threatened to impose sanctions on any company linked to Gaesa, forcing the chains to cease operations. This exit marks a significant blow to Cuba's tourism sector, which relies heavily on international hospitality. The move reflects the broader impact of US economic policies on Cuban businesses. Local authorities have criticized the sanctions as unjust, while international observers note the long-term consequences for Cuba's economy.

