The Cuban Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) published an official infographic on its social media announcing the creation of a digital corporate bank for the tourism sector, with connections abroad and virtual asset services, as part of what the regime presents as a modernization of the industry.
Did you know that you'll have more opportunities to invest in Cuba? The creation of a digital corporate bank is being promoted, connected to the outside world, which will allow the management of investments and services with virtual assets, modernizing the tourism sector,” states the text accompanying the publication.
The announcement comes after a package of 176 economic measures implemented by the Cuban government in 2026. It includes new forms of tourism investment: leasing, paid usufruct, concessions, case-by-case real estate sales, and international franchises, which are also open to Cubans residing abroad.
The regime has developed regulatory instruments that facilitate new forms of financing and international payments. Among them is Resolution 4/2026 from the Central Bank of Cuba, published in March 2026, which authorizes certain companies to use virtual assets in cross-border payment operations through authorized providers. The BCC also approved the use of cryptocurrencies for ten Cuban companies —nine small and medium-sized enterprises and one joint venture— under a renewable one-year license.
How did the Cubans react to the offer to invest in Cuba?
The reaction on social media to the MINTUR publication was mostly skeptical and mocking, with comments reflecting a deep mistrust of Cuba's state financial institutions.
"Poor fishing, there must be few gullible people left who want to invest in Cuba," wrote a user. Another internet user was more direct about the regime's track record: "Are you going to mention the part where you trap investors?"
Another question about the digital corporate bank was: “Who controls it?”. There were also individuals who interpreted the MINTUR announcement as a sign of desperation from the regime or a new way to fill the coffers of the Castros: “Are they asking for investments for the El Cangrejo account?”.
The crisis of tourism in Cuba
The Cuban tourism has been in free fall for four years. In 2025, the country welcomed 1.8 million visitors, a decrease of 17.8% compared to 2024, marking one of the worst records since 2002 outside of the pandemic period.
The announcement of the online corporate bank for investments in this sector comes at the worst possible time. At least 73% of hotels are closed and around 25,000 workers have been directly affected by the crisis.
This crisis adds a new obstacle. The MINTUR was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in July 2026, which blocks assets and interests in properties subject to U.S. jurisdiction and restricts transactions with individuals and entities from that country, except with authorization from the OFAC. These measures could hinder the attraction of partners or international financial suppliers for new projects linked to the tourism sector.
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