The Canadian hotel group Blue Diamond Resorts said Monday it has shut down its operations in Cuba, dealing another blow to the country as it faces US President Donald Trump’s takeover threats.
Blue Diamond was a major player in Cuba’s tourism sector, operating 62 properties on the island nation, which has been under a US-imposed oil blockade since January.
A statement sent to AFP on Monday by Duval Communications, which represents Blue Diamond, cited a range of factors behind the decision. They include “reduced and suspended flights to Cuba, operational challenges affecting the destination, and a deterioration of hotel operating conditions.”
As of Friday, Blue Diamond Resorts had “ceased its operations” in Cuba, the statement said.
Cuba’s economic crisis has escalated since January, when the United States conducted a military raid that removed leftist Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela.
Without Caracas as a source of oil, Cuba has struggled to keep electricity on and food and medicine in stock.
Cuba’s other allies — Russia, China and Iran — are also facing US pressure to back off, through a fresh round of sanctions against Cuban companies and leaders.
US officials also brought an indictment against former president Raul Castro, in a case that dates back to 1996.
Multiple countries, including Canada, have issued travel advisories, and major airlines have cut service, citing the inability to refuel in Cuba, among other factors.
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