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Every year, the destination Cuba slips in rankings among the most visited in the Caribbean, amid a sustained decline in the tourism sector that has yet to recover to pre-crisis levels.
According to data published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) on Facebook, by August 2025, the country received 1,791,363 travelers, which is equivalent to 84.3% compared to the same period in 2024, meaning 332,910 fewer visitors.
Within that figure, international visitors totaled 1,259,972, which is only 78.4% of last year's record.
In absolute numbers, there are 347,896 fewer tourists than those who arrived during the same period in 2024.
The main source market remained Canada, although with a significant decline: 526,245 visitors compared to 665,856 the previous year.
It was followed by the Cuban community abroad, which decreased from 203,206 to 161,195.
From the United States, 83,981 people traveled, a figure lower than the 104,358 recorded in 2024. There were also declines in the arrival of tourists from the Russian Federation (from 132,927 to 80,553), as well as from Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Mexico.
The only exception was Argentina, which showed a slight increase: 34,833 visitors compared to 32,904 the previous year.
The data confirm the negative trend in Cuban tourism in the context of a structural crisis, loss of air connectivity, and increasing regional competition.
The decline occurs at a critical moment for the national economy, which relies on the sector as one of its main sources of foreign currency.
In 2024, the island experienced one of its worst moments in terms of tourism, as it recorded the lowest number of visitors in nearly two decades, highlighting the sector's inability to recover to pre-pandemic levels and the internal economic crisis.
Months later, Russian tourism experienced a significant decline, which deepened the collapse of a market that had been crucial for sustaining the arrival of travelers. This situation coincided with an increasingly negative perception of the country as a destination.
The situation continued to deteriorate, and in the middle of summer, many Cubans were questioning who would want to travel to a nation marked by blackouts and social discontent, which revealed that not only foreign tourists but also the emigrated population themselves were losing interest in visiting the island.
A few days later, the decline of international tourism was solidified, confirming that the negative trend was affecting all source markets across the board and leaving the sector in a critical situation for national finances.
By September, the difficulties became more apparent when the government itself tried to reassure tourists amidst the ongoing blackouts, while Canada warned its citizens about the lack of electricity, a direct blow to the island's primary source of visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Cuba in 2025
Why is tourism in Cuba declining in 2025?
Tourism in Cuba is declining due to a combination of structural factors, such as the loss of air connectivity, the deterioration of tourism infrastructure, a shortage of basic services, and regional competition. These conditions have resulted in a significant decrease in tourist arrivals, especially from key markets like Russia and Canada.
What has been the economic impact of the decline in tourism in Cuba?
The decline in tourism has led to significant economic losses for Cuba, estimated at over 150 million dollars. This directly impacts the tourism entities controlled by the military conglomerate GAESA and exacerbates the overall economic crisis in the country, which relies on tourism as one of its main sources of foreign currency.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the tourism crisis?
The Cuban government continues to invest in the construction of hotels and tourism infrastructure, despite criticism from experts and citizens who view this strategy as disconnected from the realities of the country. The regime's approach has not managed to halt the decline in the sector or reverse the negative trend in tourism.
What alternatives are Cubans choosing for tourism and family reunions?
Many Cubans are choosing to travel to the Dominican Republic as an alternative for tourism and family reunions. This country has attracted thousands of Cuban visitors by providing a more favorable and accessible tourist experience, making visas easier to obtain and offering better conditions compared to Cuba.
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