Meliá's decision to close its hotels in Cuba marks a significant setback for the island's tourism industry, which has been struggling due to U.S. sanctions and an ongoing oil embargo. This move follows a trend of multinational companies scaling back their operations in Cuba, highlighting the economic strain caused by the U.S.'s renewed sanctions. The impact could be profound, as tourism is a crucial revenue stream for Cuba, and this shift underscores the broader implications of international policy on local economies.