Cuba receives new buses for tourism while public transportation struggles

A ship from China recently arrived at the port of Mariel loaded with a batch of buses intended for the island's tourism sector.

The information, which has not been disclosed by official media, has been shared by several Facebook profiles that have questioned the Cuban government's continued priority for a sector with low numbers, such as tourism.

"New batch of Yutong and ZhongTong buses for tourist and foreign transportation", they wrote from the profile Transportación Habana TH.

While the profile Rodando por Cuba was more critical in its post, pointing out that "the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Cuba, citing a lack of resources and investment for public transportation, continues to prioritize the tourism sector despite its low demand."

Although no official information has been released, it is expected that the new buses, apparently a total of 40, will be assigned to the most popular tourist routes, such as Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Trinidad, Guardalavaca, and Santiago de Cuba.

Moreover, the unofficial sources indicate that the vehicles are equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, reclining seats, and restrooms, in an effort to raise the standards of tourist transportation in Cuba, while the public is facing significant deterioration.

In 2024, the island received approximately 2.2 million international tourists, a figure significantly lower than the 4.2 million recorded in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

By 2025, official projections estimate the arrival of 2.6 million visitors, indicating a slow recovery still below pre-pandemic levels.

Diverse factors have contributed to this situation, including financial issues, supply failures for hotels, loss of skilled personnel, and a decrease in the perception of the destination's safety.

Furthermore, the energy crisis the country is experiencing, evidenced by frequent blackouts, has negatively impacted the tourist experience.

Despite these challenges, the Cuban government has continued to invest in the tourism sector, with the construction of new hotels and the renovation of infrastructure. However, these investments have faced criticism due to the prioritization of resources amid a widespread economic crisis.

Despite the efforts, the recovery of tourism in Cuba is facing significant competition from other Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana and Cancun, which have managed to attract a larger number of visitors in the post-pandemic period.

On the other hand, public transportation in Cuba is facing a significant crisis; for instance, in Havana, only 40% of urban buses are operational, which has resulted in residents experiencing long waits and overcrowded vehicles.

Nationally, more than half of the provincial routes are paralyzed due to a lack of fuel and spare parts.

This situation has led many Cubans to rely on alternative means of transportation, such as electric bicycles, for their daily commutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrival of New Buses for Tourism in Cuba