HostelBookers have today notified all properties listed in CUBA that with regret, they must cease to work with them as of this Friday, 9th August.

This is due to the approved merger of HostelBookers and Hostelworld (WRI) who are owned by the American private equity investment firm ‘Hellman & Friedman‘.

As required by US law (embargo) and by the final day of the approved merge, HostelBookers will have additional legal compliance obligations to not do any business with Cuba.

This affects roughly 300 properties, majority of which are ‘homestays’ – a typical type of budget accommodation travellers use while holidaying throughout the country.

While HostelBookers will cease to list or promote Cuba this week, any future bookings already secured by the properties / customers wont be affected.

Other destinations to cease trade with HostelBookers due to the acquisition (if not already) include Iran, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar (Burma) and North Korea.