Tourism in Cuba: a 48 per cent decline

The figures released on Monday by the National Institute of Statistics (ONEI) are dramatic. Cuba recorded just 298,057 international visitors in the first quarter of this year. Compared with 2025, which was already a weak year, this represents a 48 per cent decline. March in particular – traditionally the most lucrative month of the high season – has hit an all-time low. A mere 35,561 visitors travelled to Cuba.

The main reason for the current debacle is a political and logistical stranglehold. The tightening of US sanctions and the ban on fuel supplies have plunged the island into an energy crisis; kerosene was in extremely short supply in February and March.

The airlines’ response was brutal: Canadian and Russian carriers, which are vital for tourism in Cuba, suspended regular operations and flew only repatriation flights. In March, a mere 511 Canadians arrived – a drop of over 99% compared to the previous year.

Spain’s Iberia, which has served as a bridge to Europe for over 60 years, has announced it will cease all services in June. The interim solution of diverting to the Dominican Republic to refuel proved economically unviable.

Virtual trade fair versus reality

Paradoxically, it is currently mainly Cuban exiles (11,231 in March) and US citizens who are preventing a total collapse in the figures. Whilst European and Asian markets are drying up, family ties remain the strongest driver of travel to the island.

Despite the precarious situation, the Cuban government is trying to spread optimism. The upcoming FitCuba tourism fair is intended to mark a turning point – although this year it will be held largely virtually.

Cuba stands at a crossroads. Without a solution to the energy crisis and an easing of sanctions, tourism – and with it the country’s most important source of foreign currency – risks sinking into irrelevance for good.