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The economic and social crisis in Cuba has led to an unprecedented collapse in the tourist sector. The regime bet all its resources on this sector, but the results did not materialize. The year 2025 is shaping up to be another critical year.
A Cuban recently documented how Varadero and Havana, the main tourist hubs of the country, appear almost empty, with deserted streets and hotels with very low occupancy in the midst of the high tourist season in Cuba.
The images on social media show beaches without bathers and tourist areas that were once bustling with life, now mired in abandonment.
Problems with air connectivity
The situation is worsening with the decision of several international airlines to reduce or cancel their flights to Cuba due to low demand and operational difficulties on the island.
Iberia announced on February 2, 2025, that it might cancel its flights to Cuba from Spain due to low profitability. Edelweiss will stop flying to the island in March for the same reason. In addition, the decision by Cóndor to cease its operations in May will eliminate the only direct connection between Cuba and Germany.
Furthermore, the national airline Cubana de Aviación is facing serious operational difficulties, with only two planes in operation since January.
The fuel shortage at the airports of Havana and Varadero, reported on November 30, 2024, raised alerts for travelers and created additional complications for the few airlines still operating on the island.
Deterioration of hotel infrastructure
The lack of investment and maintenance has left many hotels in deplorable condition, especially in Varadero. What used to be a Caribbean paradise now features outdated facilities, empty pools, and limited services, resulting in constant criticism from the few tourists who dare to visit the island.
Instead of restoring its iconic hotels, the regime preferred to promote a multimillion-dollar investment to build a controversial skyscraper in the heart of El Vedado, which now lacks the means to attract tourists: The Tower at 23 and K.
Crisis in medical services
The crisis in the Cuban healthcare system is also impacting the tourism industry. The lack of adequate medical care and poor hospital service have tarnished Cuba's image as a safe destination.
A few weeks ago, a Canadian tourist faced a series of difficulties after suffering an accident in Cuba. The woman was hospitalized due to a hip fracture. She reported communication issues with the medical staff, a lack of information about her treatment, and poor conditions during her stay in the hospital.
Transport and services affected
The poor condition of the roads and the obsolescence of the vehicle fleet have also contributed to the decline of tourism. The number of travelers who are victims of traffic accidents has increased.
Furthermore, the difficulties in getting around the island due to the lack of fuel discourage tourists, who then prefer to choose safer and more accessible destinations.
The poor condition of rental cars in Cuba is an additional issue. Many vehicles are in terrible technical condition, despite the fact that the daily rental cost exceeds 100 dollars.
Food shortages and blackouts
The lack of food and frequent power outages exacerbate the situation. Many hotels have reduced their dining services due to the shortage of basic products, while the power cuts affect the quality of the tourist stay and the cultural interaction with the locals.
The lack of investment, the health crisis, the deterioration of infrastructure, and widespread shortages have placed Cuba in a critical position within the Caribbean tourism market.
The competition strengthens as tourism in Cuba collapses
While Cuba faces this crisis, other Caribbean destinations like Dominican Republic are experiencing an unprecedented boom. The neighboring country aims to double its number of tourists to reach 20 million in the coming years, focusing on diversifying its offerings and improving the quality of its services.
In 2024, Dominican tourism reached a record of over 11 million visitors, which starkly contrasts with the Cuban reality. The island welcomed a total of 2.2 million international tourists. This represents a decline of 9.6% compared to 2023. It is the lowest figure in two decades.
The Cuban government had projected 3.2 million visitors, and upon realizing they would not achieve that, they adjusted the plan to 2.7 million, a result they also failed to reach.
The main source market was Canada, with 860,877 travelers, followed by Russia (185,816), the United States (142,450), Germany (65,487), Spain (65,054), and Mexico (62,839).
The drop in traveler arrivals severely impacts the Cuban economy, as tourism is one of the primary sources of income for the country; it is the sector that the regime has been betting on for years, despite consistently losing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
Why has tourism in Cuba collapsed?
The collapse of tourism in Cuba is due to a combination of factors such as the economic crisis, the deterioration of infrastructure, and the low quality of tourism services. The lack of investment and maintenance has left many hotels in poor condition, difficulties in traveling within the island discourage tourists, and frequent energy crises contribute to an unappealing environment for international visitors.
How do power outages affect tourism in Cuba?
Power outages have a significant negative impact on tourism in Cuba, affecting both basic services in hotels and recreational activities. Prolonged power cuts leave tourists without essential services such as air conditioning, lighting, and internet, which diminishes visitor satisfaction and affects the country's reputation as a tourist destination.
What are the main source markets for tourists to Cuba?
The main source markets for tourists to Cuba in recent years have been Canada, Russia, and the United States. In 2024, Canada was the leading source with 860,877 travelers, followed by Russia with 185,816 and the United States with 142,450. However, tourist arrival figures have significantly decreased due to the current crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the tourism crisis?
The Cuban government has prioritized the installation of backup generators in hotels to ensure minimum services during blackouts. Investments are being made to build new hotels, although this has been criticized for neglecting the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure. These measures aim to attract more tourists, although they do not address the underlying issues affecting the sector.
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