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Hilton turns away Cuban envoy in Japan, citing US embargo
Local government rebukes hotel for violating accommodations law
NAOYA EZATO, Nikkei staff writer
November 15, 2018 04:07 JST
FUKUOKA, Japan -- A Hilton hotel in the southwestern Japanese city of Fukuoka refused a room to the Cuban ambassador last month because of American sanctions on the Caribbean country, it was learned Wednesday.
Japanese law prohibits hotel and inn operators from turning down guests when they have vacancies except for special cases, such as when the person has a contagious disease. The city of Fukuoka determined that the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk violated the law and issued a warning or "administrative guidance" to the hotel.
According to Tonichi Travel Service, which made the arrangements for the Cuban Embassy, an Oct. 2 reservation for the ambassador was confirmed via facsimile the day before by the hotel, an affiliate of U.S. chain Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
But on the afternoon of Oct. 2, Hilton Fukuoka called to apologize, saying it was unable to serve government officials of countries subject to U.S. sanctions, in this case the embargo against Cuba in place for decades.
More:
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Hilton-turns-away-Cuban-envoy-in-Japan-citing-US-embargo
Editorials and other articles:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016220309