TORONTO — Another major resort company has severed property management ties with Cuban hotel chain Gaviota, as the U.S. administration’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)’s June 5 deadline for companies to cease operations in Cuba, or face sanctions, draws nearer.
Asia-based Archipelago International is the latest to pull up stakes, following similar moves this week by Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba and Iberostar.
The Havana Times’ contributor 14ymedio reported the story, noting that Archipelago’s properties on the island, including Grand Aston Havana, Grand Aston Varadero, Grand Aston Cayo Paredon, Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas and Aston Costa Verde, may remain open but will now be managed by Gaviota. According to 14ymedio, on site at the Grand Aston Havana, workers were often told not to come in due to the lack of tourists.
One of the biggest players in Cuba is Melia. The report in the Havana Times notes that half of Melia’s Cuba resorts are currently closed, and that of Melia’s 34 hotels in Cuba, close to half are co-managed with Gaviota.