Online travel giant Expedia and its subsidiaries are embroiled in ongoing legal disputes concerning properties in Cuba that were confiscated by the government decades ago. These lawsuits, brought forth by Cuban-American families and entities, allege that Expedia has profited from trafficking in these seized assets, violating the U.S. Helms-Burton Act.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a significant legal battle has been unfolding regarding land and properties confiscated in Cuba following Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Families who claim to be the rightful owners of these properties, now developed into tourist resorts, have sued Expedia and its associated companies, including Orbitz and Hotels.com. They assert that by promoting and selling bookings at these resorts, Expedia is engaging in commerce that benefits from illegally seized land.
The legal framework underpinning these claims is primarily the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, commonly known as the Helms-Burton Act. This act, significantly, was revitalized in 2019 when the Trump administration lifted a long-standing suspension on its Title III, which allows U.S. nationals with claims to confiscated Cuban property to sue those trafficking in it. Prior to 2019, successive U.S. presidents had suspended the private right of action under Title III, effectively halting new lawsuits.
One prominent case involved Mario Echevarría, a Cuban-American businessman who claimed ownership of Cayo Coco, an island off Cuba’s coast. A federal jury in Florida initially awarded Echevarría and his family approximately $30 million in damages in April 2025, finding that Expedia and its subsidiaries had violated the Helms-Burton Act by selling bookings at hotels built on the confiscated land. The jury’s verdict was seen as a significant victory for Cuban exiles seeking compensation for properties seized by the Cuban government. During the trial, an Expedia employee reportedly admitted that the company had not thoroughly investigated the ownership of the hotels or considered the legal implications of the Helms-Burton Act.
However, the legal landscape remains complex and contested. In September 2025, a federal judge in Miami overturned the jury’s verdict against Expedia, ruling that the companies had ceased bookings once notified of potential violations, as per the law. The judge’s decision suggested that the jury may have been mistaken and that the companies’ actions, after being notified, were in accordance with legal requirements. This ruling indicates that the legal battles are far from over, with the possibility of appeals.
Another case involved Central Santa Lucía, L.C., which also filed suit against Expedia under the Helms-Burton Act, alleging trafficking in confiscated property. Expedia has also faced other legal challenges related to its Cuba operations. In 2019, the company settled allegations of assisting travelers to Cuba for over $325,000, voluntarily disclosing services provided between 2011 and 2014 to the U.S. Treasury Department.
These lawsuits highlight the intricate and often contentious relationship between U.S. companies, Cuban property claims, and U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba. The activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act in 2019 has opened the door for numerous claims related to property confiscated by the Cuban government, impacting international businesses with operations or connections to Cuba. The broad definition of “trafficking” under the act has been a key point of contention, encompassing not just direct sales but also activities that knowingly benefit from confiscated property.
The ongoing legal actions underscore the potential financial and legal risks for companies operating in or facilitating travel to Cuba, especially concerning properties with historical confiscation claims. These cases have brought renewed attention to the decades-old issue of property rights and compensation for those dispossessed following the Cuban Revolution. The legal proceedings are being closely watched for their implications on international business and property law, particularly concerning assets nationalized by foreign governments.
The legal complexities are further compounded by the history of U.S. policy towards Cuba, including shifts between administrations regarding normalization of relations and sanctions. The activation of Title III by the Trump administration reversed a period of détente and signaled a tougher stance, encouraging lawsuits against entities perceived to be benefiting from confiscated Cuban assets. This has created a challenging environment for travel companies and investors with interests in Cuba.
Expedia’s stance in these cases has generally been one of disappointment with verdicts that they believe are not supported by law or evidence, while emphasizing their compliance with legal frameworks once notified of violations. The company’s responses have often pointed to the legal complexities and the specific requirements of the Helms-Burton Act.
The broader implications of these lawsuits extend to other companies that have engaged in business related to Cuba. Scores of other suits are reportedly making their way through the courts, indicating a wider impact of the Helms-Burton Act on international business dealings involving Cuban assets. The legal precedent set by these cases could influence future litigation and business practices concerning properties with contested ownership histories in Cuba.
Ultimately, the ongoing legal disputes involving Expedia and Cuban properties reflect a persistent legacy of the Cuban Revolution and its impact on property ownership and international commerce. The legal battles serve as a stark reminder of the long-standing U.S. embargo and sanctions regime against Cuba, and the challenges faced by companies navigating these complex geopolitical and legal terrains. The outcomes of these cases could have significant ramifications for U.S.-Cuba relations and international investment in the island nation.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
