Tourism in Cuba, one of the key sectors of its economy, is facing a deep crisis. The country has lost more than half of its international visitors in seven years, declining from 4.7 million in 2017 to just 2.2 million in 2024.
The situation particularly affects the Spanish market, which has recorded a 27.1% decrease in the number of tourists compared to the previous year.
According to data from the hotel chain Meliá, the most important one on the Island, "air operations with Cuba have decreased by approximately 12%, and some connections have been canceled."
Some countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, or Argentina have completely canceled their connections to the destination, while other regions have significantly reduced their capacity.
This deterioration can be explained by multiple factors.
The economic and energy crisis has led to shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, directly impacting tourism services. Frequent power outages have diminished the experience for visitors, resulting in mass cancellations of reservations.
Additionally, the sanctions imposed by the United States since Donald Trump's administration have made it difficult for American tourists to visit and have discouraged foreign investment.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero states that the instability "is due to the sanctions from the United States that, since Donald Trump's first term, have limited the granting of visas to its citizens to travel to Cuba."
The competition from nearby destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, which offer better services and more competitive prices, has diverted many tourists who previously chose Cuba.
The impact has also extended to the cruise sector, which has seen a decrease in stops at Cuban ports. The same U.S. restrictions and the perception of instability have contributed to the decline in tourist flow.
The conditions in some hotels on the Island are also concerning. In Cayo Santa María, for example, basic shortages in food have been reported. According to sources quoted by the portal Reportur, "there is no flour, and some hotels are without bread and have very little pastry."
Despite the government's attempts to maintain its operations, the lack of investment in key sectors such as energy and agriculture continues to weaken the country's tourism infrastructure.
As long as this trend continues, the recovery of tourism in Cuba seems increasingly distant.
The gravity of the situation is evident in the performance of the Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International, which reported a significant drop in its operations in Cuba during the first quarter of the year.
The company notes that it had positive results in all regions where it operates except for Cuba, which stood out for its negative performance, directly impacting the group's global revenues.
According to Meliá, negative media coverage affects the perception of the Cuban destination, which contributes to a decline in visitor numbers from key markets during peak season months, resulting in a decrease in hotel occupancy.
The occupancy in hotels managed by Meliá in Cuba fell to 40.5%, a decrease of 6.4 percentage points compared to the previous year. Additionally, the revenue per available room (RevPAR) dropped by 20.8%, standing at just 37.6 euros.
The company openly acknowledges that the situation is challenging, and there are no clear signs of recovery in the short term.
International tourism in Cuba is undergoing a profound crisis, as reflected in the alarming official data published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) for the first quarter of 2025.
According to figures from the official entity, between January and March, only 571,772 international visitors arrived in the country, which signifies a decline of 29.3% compared to the same period in 2024, when 808,941 tourists were recorded.
The international tourism utilized less than a quarter of the country's lodging capacity, precisely in the quarter that has historically been the strongest in terms of traveler arrivals, as highlighted by economist Pedro Monreal.
As expected, the contraction of tourism directly impacted the revenues of Cuban tourism entities, which decreased by 21.5% year-on-year, falling from 44.411 billion Cuban pesos (CUP) to 34.860 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba is in crisis due to a significant drop in the arrival of tourists from key markets such as North America, Europe, and Latin America. Despite some increases in tourists from Portugal and Russia, the total figures remain well below pre-pandemic levels.
What factors are contributing to the decline of tourism in Cuba?
The tourism crisis in Cuba is due to infrastructure issues, regional competition, and poor management. Frequent power outages, inadequate transportation, and a deteriorating healthcare system discourage travelers.
How has the tourism crisis affected the Cuban economy?
The decline in tourism has had a significant impact on the sector's earnings, which have decreased from 3.185 billion dollars in 2019 to only 1.216 billion in 2023.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to reactivate tourism?
The government is trying to address structural issues and promote relationships that attract airlines and tour operators. However, the lack of a clear strategy and the prioritization of investments in tourism over other essential sectors complicate the recovery.
What impact does the energy crisis have on tourism in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba negatively affects the tourist experience, with frequent blackouts and shortages in hotels. Generators have been installed, but they have not been sufficient to counteract the negative perception among tourists.
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