The tiktoker Jonix Dose shared a video of a tour through the streets of Old Havana where the signs of the collapse of tourism on the island are evident: nearly empty businesses, almost deserted streets, and an atmosphere of desolation.
"There are many businesses mainly dedicated to tourism here," comments the creator of the video while walking through iconic streets. However, the images reflect an almost total absence of visitors, which has become a pattern in recent months.
The scene recorded in Old Havana and shared on their profile @jonixdose highlights the decline of the tourism sector in the country. In 2024, Cuba welcomed 2.2 million international tourists, a figure that represents a drop of 9.6% compared to 2023 and the lowest in nearly two decades, according to the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI).
Official data indicates that Canada remains the top source market for tourists with 860,877 visitors, followed by Russia (185,816) and the United States (142,450). However, the arrival of tourists from Spain and Italy has decreased by 27.1% and 15.9%, respectively.
In iconic places like Varadero, the beaches appear deserted, and hotels are experiencing very low occupancy rates. A recent testimonial from a Cuban who visited the area confirmed the drastic decline in tourists and the negative impact on the local economy.
Social media has served as a space for Cubans to express their frustration regarding the tourism situation on the island. Users have pointed out that hotels have poor conditions, lacking basic supplies and offering low-quality services. They also report a lack of recreational options outside tourist centers, growing insecurity, and harassment of visitors at airports and on the streets.
"In Cuba, it's the only place in the world where even tourists have a hard time," commented a user in response to the official statistics. Another internet user joked, "To see ruins, it’s better to go to Rome."
This is compounded by the distrust in official figures. Experts have pointed out that visitor data may be inflated to mask the reality of a sector in free fall. Despite the lack of tourists, the government continues to allocate millions in investments for the construction of new hotels, while sectors such as health, education, and housing remain in crisis.
Despite the adverse situation, the Cuban regime continues to bet on tourism as the main source of foreign currency for the economy. In a recent meeting of the Ministry of Tourism, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that "what we need is foreign currency," emphasizing that the recovery of the sector is crucial for the financial stability of the country.
However, the government’s strategy has been criticized by various analysts, who argue that the underlying issue is not tourism promotion, but the overall conditions in the country. The ongoing blackouts, supply crisis, deterioration of infrastructure, and insecurity directly impact the experience of tourists, leading them to prefer other Caribbean destinations such as the Dominican Republic or Cancun.
The government continues to bet on the sector, as reflected in the recent official strategy to recover tourism, which emphasizes attracting visitors despite the country's structural challenges.
Meanwhile, in Old Havana, the lack of tourists continues to be a tangible reflection of a declining industry and an economy that struggles to stabilize. The big question is whether Cuba will be able to reverse this situation or if tourism, which once held economic hope, will remain another unfulfilled promise of the government.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba in 2025
What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba in 2025?
Tourism in Cuba is experiencing a deep crisis in 2025, with a significant decline in the arrival of international tourists. In 2024, the island welcomed only 2.2 million tourists, the lowest figure in nearly two decades, representing a 9.6% drop compared to the previous year. The tourism crisis reflects a declining sector and a struggling economy.
Why has the number of tourists in Cuba decreased?
The decrease in tourism in Cuba is due to multiple factors: infrastructure problems, poor government management, competition with other Caribbean destinations, energy crisis, and frequent blackouts. Additionally, the perception of insecurity and U.S. sanctions have negatively impacted the arrival of tourists.
How does the tourism crisis affect the Cuban economy?
The tourism crisis significantly impacts the Cuban economy, as tourism is one of its main sources of income. The decrease in the number of visitors has led to a considerable reduction in sector revenues, worsening the country's economic situation.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the tourism crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to diversify its tourism offerings, focusing on nature, cultural, and historical tourism, in addition to health tourism. However, the lack of a clear and effective strategy has hindered the recovery of the sector, and investments in hotel infrastructure have not generated the expected impact due to a lack of demand.
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