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Regarded as one of the driving forces of the Cuban economy, tourism will continue its decline in 2025, as confirmed by the Cuban regime this Monday.
Official projections indicate that next year will be even worse than 2024, with an estimated 2.6 million international tourists, which is 100,000 fewer than the already unmet target for this year, according to the EFE news agency.
The Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, acknowledged this reality during the Tourism Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), highlighting several factors that impact the sector.
He mentioned several issues, including financial problems, supply failures for hotels, loss of skilled personnel, U.S. sanctions, and a concerning decline in the perceived security index of the destination, which until recently was one of the strengths of Cuba's tourism industry.
In the first ten months of 2024, the island welcomed only 1.85 million international tourists, which is a 6.5% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
This confirms that the goal of 2.7 million visitors for this year, which had already been reduced from an initial target of 3.2 million, will not be met.
According to García, the year will conclude with approximately 2.2 million foreign visitors, indicating a significant decline in the sector.
The impact of this crisis is profound, as tourism has traditionally been one of the main sources of foreign currency income for Cuba, surpassed only by professional services and remittances.
However, current figures are far from the 4.6 million tourists recorded in 2018 and the 4.2 million in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, reported EFE.
The decline in the number of visitors is affecting nearly all traditional source markets, such as Canada and Spain, while only Russia and Mexico are showing increases.
This trend stands in contrast to that of other Caribbean destinations, such as Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Cancun (Mexico), which are reaching record numbers of visitors in the post-pandemic phase.
With tourism still in crisis and the regime lacking clear solutions, projections for 2025 indicate an economy that continues to sink in a landscape of uncertainty and stagnation.
The Cuban regime also announced on Monday a projected economic growth of 1% for the year 2025.
Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, Minister of Economy and Planning, reported that this growth forecast is based on the expected recovery of tourism, an increase in revenue from exports, and the reactivation of productive and industrial activities, along with the stabilization of the National Electro-Energetic System (SEN), according to the government-affiliated media outlet Cubadebate.
On the other hand, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged this Monday the serious decline in living conditions in the country's rural areas, although he stressed that the "achievements of the Revolution" must be defended.
"First and foremost, we must reclaim the great work of the Revolution in the fields and mountains of the country," Valdés Mesa stated, seemingly unaware that the energy crisis, lack of resources, and the economic crisis driven by his government are affecting the daily struggles faced by farmers and agricultural communities.
The number two of the Cuban government referred to health and education as other "works of the Revolution." However, he added that those of the farmers and rural inhabitants "have suffered significant deterioration."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
Why is tourism in Cuba still declining?
Tourism in Cuba continues to decline due to multiple factors, including financial issues, shortages in supplies for hotels, loss of qualified personnel, and sanctions from the United States. Furthermore, there has been a troubling decrease in the perception of safety for the destination, which negatively impacts the Cuban tourism industry.
What are the tourism projections for Cuba in 2025?
Official projections indicate that tourism in Cuba will continue to decline in 2025, with an estimated 2.6 million international tourists, representing a decrease from previous targets. This figure is significantly lower than the pre-pandemic levels, when more than 4 million tourists were recorded annually.
How is the tourism crisis affecting the Cuban economy?
The tourism crisis is having a profound impact on the Cuban economy, as tourism has been one of the main sources of foreign currency for the country. The decline in the number of visitors has led to a significant decrease in the revenues generated by the sector, exacerbating the island's already fragile economic situation.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the tourism crisis?
The Cuban government has sought to diversify its tourism offerings, focusing on nature, cultural and historical tourism, and health tourism, in addition to the traditional sun and beach options. However, the absence of a clear and effective strategy has hindered the recovery of the sector, and investments in hotel infrastructure have not produced the expected impact due to a lack of demand.
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