Cuba is disappearing from the tourist map

Cuba, once considered the jewel of theCaribbean, is rapidly disappearing from the tourist map. According to a recent article byBusiness Insider, theTravel agencies They are withdrawing the promotional packages ofCuba of their shop windows, opting instead for destinations likePunta Cana OCancun.

Hetourism, which represents the second largest source of foreign exchange forCuba, has suffered one blow after another in recent years. The combination of thepandemic and the price and supply crisis has led to a drastic reduction in the number of visitors. In 2019, before the start of theCOVID-19 pandemic, Cuba received 4.2 million tourists. However, last year, that number dropped to 1.6 million.

The lack of tourists has a direct impact on the Cuban economy, which already faces significant challenges. Without a solid industry or significant production, the absence of tourism translates into even greater impoverishment for the country.

The panorama inHavana It's devastating. The streets, which used to be full of life and activity, are now deserted. The restaurants are empty and taxi drivers anxiously wait for the few tourists who still visit the island. HeHavana Malecon, one of the main arteries of the capital, shows little traffic, an image that reflects the fuel crisis facing the country.

The economic situation has also led to a drastic devaluation of the Cuban currency. If at the end of 2022 24 Cuban pesos were needed to buy one euro, now 245 pesos are required. This devaluation has led to long lines in stores and banks, and widespread shortages of basic products.

The impact on the hotel sector is evident. Large hotel chains such asMelia They have had to reduce their rates in an attempt to attract more customers. However, even with reduced prices, hotel occupancy has been low. In the first half of the year, during the high season, occupancy was only 40%.

The decline of tourism inCuba started in 2020 with thepandemic, and worsened in 2021 whenUSA includedCuba on its list of sponsors of terrorism. Inflation has been the latest blow, exacerbating an already existing crisis.

Despite the situation, tourists who still visitCuba they experience a softer version of reality. Although they may face shortages in some restaurants and supply outages, in general, tourist circuits are better supplied than the rest of the country.

However, the reality is undeniable:Cuba It is disappearing from the tourist map. And as long as the country does not develop a sustainable production model, it will continue to be poorer without tourism. It is a situation that requires urgent attention and solutions, not only for the well-being of the tourism industry, but for the future ofCuba as a whole.