The Cuban regime announced this Wednesday that it will lease tourist facilities and ease payments in foreign currency, in an effort to recover the struggling tourism sector, which has significantly declined during the current season.
Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Cuban Prime Minister, described as necessary "to update the regulatory framework and policies" in order to "encourage foreign investment in the country," as reported during the inauguration of the 43rd edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2025).
The official announced "new types" of business associated with real estate, including the leasing of tourist facilities.
On the other hand, he also referred to "facilities" for operations in foreign currencies, the use of new payment cards, and the acceptance of cash payments, especially in dollars, euros, and Canadian dollars.
In a desperate attempt to revive what it calls the "locomotive of the Cuban economy," the Government will implement further changes to encourage the arrival of tourists to Cuba, although some of these, previously announced, have not yielded results.
According to what Marrero announced, new air operations will begin, the sale of tickets in cash currencies will be allowed, and starting May 1st, the health fee at airports, ports, and international marinas will be eliminated.
The new strategies also include the creation of "public or private alliances" between large tourism companies and small and medium-sized enterprises or self-employed workers, through which the authorities aim to monopolize the "important complementary offer" of the private sector.
In his inaugural speech at FITCuba, Marrero Cruz once again held the U.S. embargo responsible as the main cause of the collapse of tourism on the island, despite the multiple internal factors that have deteriorated the country’s image as an international destination.
The regime's bet to relaunch the "locomotive of the economy" contrasts sharply with the drastic drop in tourism. The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) recorded 571,772 international visitors between January and March 2025, a decrease of 29.7% compared to the same period last year.
The main source markets—Russia, Canada, and the Cuban community abroad—have significantly reduced their flow to the island due to the increasing perception of insecurity, shortages, blackouts, high prices in foreign currency, lack of air connectivity, and the deterioration of services.
Instead of taking responsibility, Marrero thanked the understanding of foreign partners and merely praised the country's "resilience," in a tired narrative that neither investors nor travelers buy anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leasing of Tourist Facilities in Cuba
What measures has the Cuban government announced to recover tourism?
The Cuban government has announced the leasing of tourist facilities and the easing of payments in foreign currency as part of its measures to revive the tourism sector. These actions aim to stimulate foreign investment and increase the influx of tourists to the island.
Why has tourism in Cuba declined recently?
Tourism in Cuba has declined due to internal issues such as insecurity, shortages, and power outages, as well as a lack of air connectivity and the degradation of services. Although the regime blames the U.S. embargo, these internal factors have severely impacted the perception of Cuba as a tourist destination.
What changes will be implemented in the Cuban tourism sector starting May 1st?
The health fee will be removed at airports, ports, and international marinas, and the sale of tickets in cash in foreign currency will be allowed. These measures aim to facilitate the arrival of tourists and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector in Cuba.
How does the Cuban government intend to stimulate foreign investment in tourism?
The Cuban government is seeking to stimulate foreign investment in tourism by creating "public or private partnerships" between large tourism companies and small and medium-sized enterprises or self-employed individuals. Additionally, new business models have been announced, such as the leasing of tourism facilities, to attract more investments to the sector.
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