Cuba tourism slump cuts income for artisans and bike‑taxi drivers

A sharp decline in international visitors has left many small businesses in Havana’s historic Old Town struggling to stay afloat. Artisan María Caridad Rodríguez says her family’s craft shop has gone days without sales, while bike‑taxi driver Ólyde Hernández reports long waits for passengers. The National Statistics Office recorded only 298,057 tourists through March, a 48 % drop compared with the same period last year. The downturn is felt across related trades, with street artist Roberto Camacho noting fewer customers and a slowdown in related services. Residents hope improved Cuba‑U.S. relations could revive visitor numbers, but many are considering alternative income sources as the tourism sector, once a major source of foreign‑exchange, remains at a low point.