Company adding beach resorts and city hotels
IAN STALKER
Meliá Hotels International Cuba continues to see steady growth in Cuba more than three decades after Meliá became the first foreign hotel company to arrive in post-Revolution Cuba. The Spanish company, which began operation in Cuba 32 years ago, now has a widespread Cuban presence, with more hotels in the works, says Maite Artieda, director of marketing and communication for Meliá Hotels International Cuba.
“We currently manage 32 properties all along Cuba,” Artiedia reports. “Among them, we would like to highlight the new Sol Caribe Beach, which opened on March 1 as a family all-inclusive hotel in Varadero, and the INNSiDE Habana Catedral, the first to operate under the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in the Cuban capital, ideal for travellers seeking to blend with the vibrant culture and rhythm of the colonial city.
“In the coming months, we will announce the opening of Meliá Trinidad Península, which will mark Meliá’s entry into one of the island’s most charming destinations. It will be a 5-star hotel just a few minutes away from this World Heritage Site city, and its guests will also have opportunities to enjoy the beach and the natural surroundings. On the other side, a new property will be incorporated in Holguín: the Sol Turquesa Beach resort, located on the front line of beautiful Yuraguanal beach. Meanwhile, we are also moving forward to adding the Sevilla and Plaza hotels, both architectural jewels with a truly privileged location in the heart of the city, to our portfolio in Havana.”
Meliá has witnessed the rise and development of the Cuban tourism industry and Artiedia says “as a result, we treasure an amount of experience that is priceless. Working together with the authorities and companies of the trade has allowed us to know the product and its potentialities in depth while developing collaborative relationships and studying the preferences of travellers who choose Cuba to adjust our lines of action.”
The pandemic took its toll on Cuban tourism but Meliá says the occupancy and activity levels at the Cuban hotels under its management continue to recover steadily. Sun and beach destinations like Varadero and the keys, popular with Canadian tourists and visitors from Europe and Latin America, are particularly standing out. But Artiedia adds that the city hotels are also serving Meliá well.
“We have hotels at most heritage cities in the country: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and very soon, will have one in Trinidad,” Artiedia continues. “This is an important advantage because it allows us to offer our guests those options that go beyond the typical beach vacation. With Meliá, it is possible to combine relaxing days by the sun and the sea with urban stays, making the trip to Cuba a complete and authentic experience.”
Artedia adds there are many factors as to why Cuba-bound tourists should choose a Meliá property for their vacation.
“Our hotels are located in Cuba’s most popular destinations, and we always have something to offer for all tastes and needs: from the honeymooners to the digital nomad, from families looking for fun to companies that need to organize a corporate event,” Artiedia reports. “We care about details and creating magical memories that our guests can treasure, and we have highly qualified teams and staff that love their job: a satisfied guest will always be the first objective to achieve for them.”
Artiedia also says those who choose Cuba for their vacation will find it rewarding.
“Cuba is an ideal vacation destination, mainly because of the authenticity and hospitality of its people,” Artiedia states. “Its beaches and tropical landscapes are excellent for both relaxing and enjoying healthy outdoor activities — scuba diving, snorkeling and walks in natural parks are very popular — but it also has a lively cultural life that includes music, dance, art and history. Add to this the everlasting Cuban smile and you can understand why so many travellers return in love with the Caribbean’s largest island every year.”
