Tourism in Cuba is going through one of its worst crises in decades, and the decline in Russian visitors is one of the most alarming signs.
Between January and May 2025, only 56,089 Russian tourists traveled to the island, a decrease of 45.6% compared to the same period the previous year, according to official data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
The figure reflects a massive abandonment of one of the key markets for Cuban tourism. This drastic contraction is a result of a combination of structural factors and poor travel experiences that have discouraged Russians from choosing Cuba as a holiday destination.
The travel experience in Cuba is not what they dreamed
A Russian tourist recently recounted her bitter experience at a five-star hotel in Varadero. What was meant to be a luxury trip turned into a nightmare. "The faucets were dripping, the hair dryers didn't work, and everything was dirty. I felt cheated," she stated.
He also denounced the constant presence of insects, spoiled food, and an unacceptable hotel service. "They treat tourists like pigs," he said indignantly.
The complaints are recurrent
Testimonials from Russian visitors and others alike emphasize the decline of Cuban hotels, even those that uphold a luxury status. The lack of maintenance, food shortages, poor customer service, and minimal hygiene are increasingly common complaints.
The insecurity has also begun to concern those planning trips to Cuba. There have been reported cases of attacks on Russian tourists in Havana and thefts targeting foreigners in other tourist areas of the country.
Other factors such as blackouts, inflation, scarcity of drinking water, and the reduction of flights that facilitate air connectivity contribute to Cuba losing its appeal compared to other Caribbean destinations.
Collapse of tourism in Cuba
In the first five months of 2025, the Cuban regime lost more than 300 thousand international visitors, representing a total decline of 20.6% compared to 2024.
If we take into account the data of foreign tourists, the decline is even greater: 312,219 fewer visitors, representing a decrease of 26.6%. This has led to estimated economic losses of over 150 million dollars, directly impacting the sector controlled by the military conglomerate GAESA.
Despite the decline of tourism in Cuba, the government continues to invest in hotel construction, a strategy that has been heavily criticized by experts, who point out the low hotel occupancy rates and the collapse of revenue per room.
The growing rejection of Russian tourists highlights that the Cuban tourism crisis is more than just a temporary issue. Statistics, testimonies, and the reality of the country show that traveling to Cuba is no longer synonymous with relaxation, but rather with disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
Why has the number of Russian tourists in Cuba decreased?
The number of Russian tourists in Cuba has drastically decreased due to a combination of poor travel experiences and structural factors. Complaints about a lack of maintenance, food shortages, and insufficient customer service have discouraged many from returning. Additionally, issues such as insecurity, power outages, and reduced flights also affect Russian tourists' decisions to choose Cuba as a vacation destination.
What are the main complaints of tourists in Cuba?
The main complaints from tourists in Cuba include the lack of cleanliness in hotels, poor food quality, the deterioration of hotel infrastructure, and frequent blackouts. Additionally, many tourists have reported issues with safety, such as assaults and thefts, which has raised concerns among visitors.
How is the tourism crisis affecting the Cuban economy?
The tourism crisis is severely impacting the Cuban economy, as tourism is one of its main sources of income. The decrease in visitors has led to significant economic losses, estimated at over 150 million dollars, particularly affecting the sector controlled by the military conglomerate GAESA. The low hotel occupancy rates and the drop in revenue per room are also consequences of this crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the tourism crisis?
Despite the decline in tourism, the Cuban government continues to invest in the construction of new hotels and tourist infrastructures. However, this strategy has been questioned by experts, who point out low hotel occupancy and lack of demand as critical issues. No effective measures have been implemented to address the structural problems affecting the tourist experience on the island.
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