Cuban tourism falls 62% in seven months after US sanctions

Cuba's tourism sector collapsed by 62% between January and July of this year compared to the same period in 2025, according to data released by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). During this time, 419,000 visitors arrived in Cuba, down from 1.1 million in the corresponding period last year. The decline has left many parts of the island nearly devoid of international tourists, with hotels, hostels, and private accommodations shuttered, while beaches, shops, and attractions remain largely empty. According to the ONEI report, the most significant drops occurred among Canadian visitors, who fell from 478,300 in 2025 to 127,600 this year. Cuban expatriates visiting the country dropped from 140,000 to 88,000, and American visitors decreased from 77,200 to 37,200. Other major tourist-emitting countries, including Russia, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain, also saw declines in visitor numbers. Between May and July, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions targeting key elements of Cuba's tourism industry, warning third-country operators working with the Cuban Ministry of Tourism or related agencies. Measures against violators included account freezes and exclusion from the U.S. financial system. As a result, hotel chains such as Meliá, Iberostar, and Royalton suspended all operations in Cuba, leaving behind dozens of four- and five-star hotels. Payment systems like Visa and Mastercard also withdrew their services from the island. In February, following reports that Cuba would lack fuel to supply aircraft, several major airlines, including World2Fly, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia, halted their flights to the island. These developments followed a broader strategy by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed a stringent energy embargo in January, aiming to push for changes in Cuba's political and economic model. This move worsened an existing crisis fueled by previous U.S. sanctions and a failed domestic financial reform that led to rising inflation. Cuba's tourism industry had been a crucial part of its economy, contributing around $3 billion annually. In 2019, the country welcomed approximately 4.3 million tourists, marking a peak for the sector. However, recent challenges have severely impacted the industry, with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz revealing earlier this year that 73% of the country's hotel capacity was closed due to the lack of visitors. Additionally, around 25,000 workers in the tourism sector found themselves without jobs as a result of the downturn. The impact of these sanctions and embargoes extends beyond the immediate effects on tourism. They reflect a broader policy approach by the U.S., which has intensified its blockade and funded anti-Cuban propaganda, framing its actions as a response to the Cuban government while causing significant hardship for the Cuban population. The situation highlights the complex interplay between geopolitical strategies and the economic livelihoods of ordinary citizens.