Once visited by millions of tourists, now virtually deserted: Another country sinking deeper into crisis

Cuba, once a popular destination for millions of tourists drawn to its Caribbean beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant streets, is now facing a severe crisis marked by empty hotels, dwindling visitor numbers, and worsening shortages. The island nation's tourism sector, which was once a cornerstone of its economy and brought in billions of dollars annually, has experienced one of its most significant declines in recent decades. According to available data, Cuba welcomed approximately 360,000 foreign tourists during the first five months of this year—a staggering 58 percent drop compared to the same period last year. For comparison, neighboring Dominican Republic attracted ten times as many visitors within just six months. The impact of this decline is particularly evident in Havana’s historic Old City, known as La Habana Vieja, one of the best-preserved colonial urban complexes in the Americas. This area, once bustling with activity, now appears almost abandoned. Local street musician Elio, who has played guitar at the Plaza Vieja for nearly three decades, notes that tourists have become increasingly rare. He says that during an entire hour, sometimes only one tourist passes by. The decline in tourism is part of a broader set of challenges affecting Cuba’s economy, exacerbated by new rounds of American sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. These measures have further strained the country's already fragile economic situation. In addition to the political tensions, disruptions in oil supply have caused serious problems in transportation and energy systems. One of the main fuel supply routes to Cuba was cut off following an American military operation in Venezuela, and additional restrictions on deliveries have worsened the situation. The lack of fuel has had a direct impact on air travel, with several airlines canceling flights due to their inability to supply fuel to their aircraft in Cuba. This has further reduced the number of incoming tourists. Meanwhile, Washington has intensified pressure on companies operating with the Cuban military, which manages a large portion of the country's tourism infrastructure. As a result, some international hotel chains have decided to abandon the Cuban market. American authorities claim that the goal of these sanctions is to encourage political and economic changes in Cuba and create space for greater foreign investment. Speaking in June to Axios, Donald Trump highlighted Cuba’s potential as a tourist destination, noting, “Venezuela has oil. Cuba doesn’t. But Cuba has beautiful real estate and a fantastic coastline.” American media reports suggest that his administration is considering new measures against Havana, including the possibility of military intervention. The tourism sector has been severely affected even before the latest wave of American sanctions, with the pandemic having already dealt a major blow. New sanctions have further diminished interest in traveling to Cuba. Lucy Davis, director of the tour agency Cubania, states that many people no longer want to visit a country grappling with shortages and an economic crisis. She explains, “People can accept certain discomforts during their vacation, but visiting Cuba today more and more resembles a kind of dark tourism.” Davis adds that her agency is now more focused on collecting food donations than organizing tourist trips. She mentions hearing countless stories about people suffering from hunger and emphasizes that while they cannot help everyone, they aim to do what they can. Despite many hotels operating with virtually no guests, the Cuban government continues to build new accommodation capacities. Economists warn that over-reliance on tourism, combined with intensified American sanctions, has deepened the overall crisis in the country. The decline in tourism is not merely a reflection of external pressures but also highlights internal struggles. While the Cuban government remains committed to expanding its hospitality offerings, the reality on the ground tells a different story. With fewer tourists coming in, the demand for services has plummeted, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. The situation has forced many locals to rely on informal economies and charitable efforts to survive. In contrast, the government continues to push forward with ambitious construction projects, often without addressing the underlying issues causing the current crisis. This disconnect between policy and reality underscores the complexity of Cuba’s ongoing challenges, where external factors such as sanctions and internal issues like resource management intertwine to create a multifaceted crisis.