Cuba tourism falls 64.4% amid economic crisis and US pressure

Cuba is experiencing a significant collapse in its tourism sector. According to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the island received 450,353 international visitors between January and August 2026, representing a 64.4% decrease compared to the 1,264,332 visitors recorded during the same period in 2025.

The composition of arrivals is shifting. While international tourism has plummeted, the relative proportion of the Cuban diaspora traveling to the island has increased, even though their total number of trips has also declined. International visitors, who accounted for seven out of ten arrivals in 2025, now represent just over half of the total.

In Havana, the impact is highly visible, with historic centers and commercial areas appearing deserted. Factors contributing to this decline include the ongoing economic crisis, frequent power outages, and increased pressure from the United States, including oil blockades and sanctions, which have accelerated the withdrawal of foreign travelers.