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More than 80,000 Cubans have chosen the Dominican Republic for vacation in 2025, according to official figures from the Dominican tourism sector.
The official data from that country regarding the arrival of foreign visitors indicates that after the first semester, the jump in June and the seasonality of July-August boosted the annual count for the Cuban market.
The summer behavior and the total number of visitors confirm peak traffic that places the sender Cuba above the threshold of 80,000 in 2025.
The strong surge in the Cuban outbound market is supported by a historic peak in June and an upward trend in the first half of the year, while the Caribbean nation continues to break records for visitors and expand its air connectivity. At the same time, tourism to Cuba is experiencing a downturn, which helps to explain the shift in demand.
June set a monthly record for Cuba: 19,542 residents on the Island vacationed in the Dominican Republic in that month alone, the best June in the series for that origin, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR).
Between January and June, 43,218 tourists residing in Cuba arrived, surpassing the same period in 2024 and 2023. The high summer season (July-August) reinforced the trend.
The Dominican Republic welcomed 8 million visitors between January and August (by air and sea), with 707,175 tourists in August alone, and 863,780 air arrivals in July.
The Dominican Republic maintains growth in arrivals, occupancy, and connectivity, with Punta Cana as the dominant hub and market diversification strategies that have gained traction in Latin America.
Airlines like Sky High Dominicana and Air Century operate routes between Santo Domingo and Cuban cities (including Havana), facilitating short trips and family reunions.
While that country sets records, Cuba is experiencing a decline in visitors, which shifts vacations and family gatherings to neighboring destinations with better services and availability.
The agencies are making it easier to obtain a visa for residents on the island. The solution is clear: sun, amenities, proximity, and, above all, the genuine opportunity to reunite with family members living in Miami or other parts of the world.
What began as an alternative to the costly and bureaucratic return to Cuba has solidified into a migratory-tourist phenomenon. “I couldn’t contain my joy at seeing families who hadn’t seen each other in 20 years reunite here,” said the agency Yes Travel, in statements to Dominican media.
Meanwhile, tourism in Cuba is collapsing. Between January and June, 319,654 fewer travelers arrived on the island compared to the same period in 2024. The drop is 25%.
The hotels in Varadero and Havana are empty, and national occupancy barely exceeds 24%. The decline in visitors from Russia and Canada, the primary markets, further exacerbates the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Tourism in the Dominican Republic and the Decline of Tourism in Cuba
Why have more than 80,000 Cubans traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2025?
More than 80,000 Cubans have traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2025 due to a combination of tourism and family reunifications. The proximity, ease of visa access, and the opportunity to reunite with relatives living abroad have made the Dominican Republic a popular destination for Cubans. Additionally, the tourism crisis in Cuba has driven this migratory-touristic phenomenon.
What factors explain the decline of tourism in Cuba in 2025?
Tourism in Cuba has significantly declined in 2025 due to several factors, such as a decrease in visitors from Russia and Canada, structural issues in the tourism sector, power outages, shortages of food and supplies, and poor customer service. Additionally, a lack of air connectivity and economic restrictions have discouraged international tourists.
How has Dominican migration policy impacted the flow of Cuban tourists?
The Dominican migration policy has facilitated the increase in tourist traffic from Cubans by not requiring transit visas for Cubans who are stopping en route to other destinations. In addition, the opening of air routes between Cuba and the Dominican Republic has promoted short-term travel and family reunions, making the country a significant destination for Cubans looking to reunite with their loved ones.
How does tourism in the Dominican Republic compare to that in Cuba in 2025?
The Dominican Republic has experienced significant growth in its tourism in 2025, while Cuba faces a considerable decline. The Dominican Republic has improved its air connectivity, diversified its markets, and facilitated the arrival of tourists, contrasting with the decrease in visitors to Cuba due to internal structural and economic issues.
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