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The Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, stated that the tourism industry in Cuba “is alive and kicking”, despite blackouts, the drop in visitors, and criticism of luxury hotel construction amid the economic crisis.
In an interview with the BBC, García Granda stated that the sector remains “the economic engine of the country” and attributed the slowdown in the recovery of tourism to the sanctions imposed by the United States and the pandemic.
"During Trump's first term, 263 measures were taken against Cuba, most of which were aimed at destroying tourism," the official stated.
The minister stated that the government has succeeded in halting the decline of the sector and that the statistics for the second quarter of the year will show an improvement.
However, 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, clear evidence of the sector's collapse that contradicts the statements of the department head.
According to their account, Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism and the ban on American cruises directly impacted the flow of visitors.
However, while the government insists on defending its strategy, the reality of the island paints a different picture.
Luxury hotels remain lit in cities where millions of Cubans face daily blackouts, water shortages, and food scarcity.
The criticisms particularly target the Torre K hotel, the tallest tower in the country, seen by many in Havana as a symbol of the contrast between extravagance and necessity.
"With so many empty hotels and neighborhoods without electricity, I don't understand why we need another skyscraper," questioned an architecture student interviewed by the British media.
Other citizens noted that the money invested in new building projects should be allocated to repairing the electrical system or improving basic supplies.
García, on the other hand, defended the project and denied that there is social frustration.
He assured that tourism is sustained by foreign investment—"more than 70% comes from international companies"—and that workers in the sector "have a positive view of the new facilities."
"Yes, there may be outrage, but the people continue to fight, they continue to work," he affirmed.
While the minister promises that "the hotels will be full" and that tourism "will help pull the country out of the crisis," most Cubans continue to gauge prosperity by the number of hours of electricity or the price of rice, rather than by the shine of new hotel complexes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Cuba and Its Impact on the Population
How does the Cuban government justify investment in luxury hotels amid the crisis?
The Cuban government, through the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, defends investment in luxury hotels by arguing that tourism is the "economic engine of the country" and that such investment is necessary to attract foreign currency and reactivate the economy. However, this strategy has been criticized for prioritizing the comfort of tourists while the population faces blackouts and a shortage of basic services.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to protect the tourist sector during power outages?
The hotels and tourist services in Cuba have their own power generators, which was ensured through a substantial state investment. This measure aims to guarantee that blackouts do not impact tourism, highlighting a clear priority of the government toward this sector, despite the energy crisis affecting the rest of the population.
What has been the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuban tourism?
The Minister of Tourism, García Granda, attributes the decline in tourism partly to the measures taken by the Trump administration, which included restrictions on cruises and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. These sanctions have directly affected the flow of visitors, complicating the recovery of the sector.
Why does the Cuban government continue to prioritize tourism despite the economic crisis?
The Cuban government views tourism as a crucial source of foreign currency income, necessary to boost the economy. However, this strategy has been criticized for failing to address the country's structural deficiencies and for prioritizing investment in tourism infrastructure while essential sectors like energy and public health are neglected.
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