Cuba-Mexico Tourism Deal Aims to Revive Cuban Visitor Numbers

Three travel agencies—Turismo Popular, Taíno Tours and Prelasa Tours—signed a multi‑destination tourism agreement in Mexico City to link Mexico’s “Mundo Maya” circuit with Cuban destinations such as Havana and Varadero. The deal includes direct flights between Cancun and Havana and will launch its first joint package in August, timed with the Varadero Josone Festival.

Cuba’s tourism sector has slipped sharply, with a 58.4% drop in international arrivals during January‑May 2026 and an estimated 300,000 tourism workers now unemployed or underemployed. Foreign‑exchange earnings are expected to fall from $1.8 billion to between $400 million and $600 million this year. Cuban officials say the partnership with Mexico is intended to boost visitor numbers, diversify tourism products, and generate much‑needed revenue for an economy where tourism accounts for 10‑15% of GDP.