Québécois Face Unplanned Closures of All-Inclusive Resorts in Cuba

Recent unplanned closures of all-inclusive resorts in Cuba have left many Québécois travelers grappling with unexpected changes to their vacation plans. The closures were announced without prior warning, leading to confusion and frustration among those affected.

Unexpected Resort Closures

One notable case involves William Plante. He arrived at the Valentin Perla Blanca hotel in Cayo Santa Maria late Wednesday night. However, by Thursday afternoon, just as he began to unload his bags, hotel staff informed him of an immediate closure.

The notice handed to him stated, “Your reservation has been transferred to the Playa Cayo Santa Maria hotel, located in the same area. You must check-in for the transfer by 4 PM, as our hotel is closing today.” Plante, initially in disbelief, shared his reactions in an interview with Agence QMI.

Reasons for Closing

When he sought clarification about the abrupt relocation, hotel staff cited low occupancy rates as the reason for the closure. However, there were conflicting accounts among employees regarding resource availability at the alternative hotel.

• William Plante’s story highlights a lack of communication surrounding these closures.
• Staff claimed they learned of the hotel’s closure only two hours before it happened.

Other Travelers Affected

Michel Rumie, a Colombian-Quebec resident, faced a similar situation. He was scheduled to depart for a vacation at the Gran Muthu Imperial Cayo Guillermo with his two young children on Sunday. He learned about the hotel’s closure through a Facebook post, which startled him, as he had received no official notice.

Immediately, he contacted his travel agency. They confirmed the hotel’s closure and offered him three options: change his destination, postpone his trip, or receive a refund. Concerned about the current conditions in Cuba, Rumie opted for a complete change of plans and booked a vacation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Traveler Sentiment

Rumie expressed relief over his decision, stating, “Given the uncertainty regarding food and fuel shortages in Cuba, I’m really happy with the choice I made.” His story underlines the growing concern among travelers about the situation in Cuba.

This trend of sudden resort closures highlights ongoing issues within Cuba’s tourism sector, affecting not only travelers but also hotel staff and travel agencies.