Escarrer: "We don't know what will happen with Cuba"

The chairman of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, put it bluntly: "The truth is we don't know what's going to happen." The quote, reported by Arecoa, perfectly captures the waiting game the hotel industry is playing with Cuba. And keep in mind, Meliá is the largest foreign operator on the island. If they can't see the horizon, it's not a good sign.

But here's my take: this is a clear win for the Dominican Republic. When a big destination like Cuba goes into pause mode, travelers shopping the Caribbean have to look elsewhere. And that elsewhere, with the offerings in Punta Cana, Bávaro, La Romana, and Puerto Plata, is hard to beat. Tour operators are already telling us inquiries about the DR spike whenever there's noise about Cuba.

Here's my opinion: while Havana doesn't clarify its game, the Dominican Republic has a window of opportunity it can't afford to miss. Investment in hotel capacity, air connectivity, and aggressive promotion. Those who snooze will lose. And we're ready to jump on board.