Cuba’s tourism industry has experienced a severe downturn in 2026, with a 62% decline in visitors compared to the same period in 2025. This significant drop is attributed to increased pressure from the U.S., including an energy embargo and sanctions that have targeted the tourism sector. Official statistics indicate that only 419,000 tourists visited Cuba from January to July 2026, down from 1.1 million during the same timeframe in 2025.
As a result, many hotels, hostels, and private accommodations have closed, and popular attractions are virtually empty. The U.S. has intensified sanctions, impacting major chains like Meliá and Iberostar, leading to the suspension of contracts and withdrawals by payment systems like Visa and Mastercard. Major airlines also halted flights due to refueling restrictions on the island.
In contrast, Cuba welcomed about 4.3 million tourists in 2019, with tourism traditionally serving as a crucial economic driver, generating roughly $3 billion annually. The current crisis reflects the compounded effects of previous sanctions and internal economic difficulties.
