# US sanctions deepen Cuba tourism and humanitarian crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/meli-hotels-latin-america-expansion
> Updated: 2026-09-09T14:21:42.000Z. Sources: 413. Developments: 56.

The tourism collapse triggered by the May 2026 U.S. executive order targeting the military conglomerate GAESA has accelerated, leaving the industry in “near-total paralysis.” New data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) shows that international visitors fell by 62% between January and July 2026, totaling 419,000 arrivals compared to 1.1 million during the same period in 2025. Significant drops in arrivals were noted from Canada, the Cuban diaspora, and the United States, alongside declines from Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, China, Colombia, and France.

This downturn is attributed to increased pressure from the United States, including a radical energy embargo imposed by President Donald Trump in January and subsequent State Department sanctions. The crisis has led to the withdrawal of Visa and Mastercard payment gateways and the suspension of contracts by major hotel chains. Logistical failures have further crippled the sector; major airlines have suspended flights following reports that aircraft could no longer refuel on the island.

U.S. pressure has expanded to target specific individuals and state entities. Recent sanctions by the State Department target Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the grandson of former leader Raúl Castro, and several state-owned companies. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla reported record economic losses of approximately $8.1 billion between March 2025 and February 2026, a 7% increase over the previous year. He noted that this figure does not include damages from recent energy restrictions or secondary sanctions. The administration also highlighted an intensifying energy crisis, with electricity outages lasting more than 60 consecutive hours in some areas, and noted that infant mortality rates rose to 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 2025.

## Claims

- The blockade has contributed to electricity outages exceeding 60 consecutive hours in some instances. (disputed by 12 sources)
- Cuba received 419,863 international visitors between January and July 2026. (disputed by 6 sources)
- Sanctions are causing severe domestic issues including electricity shortages of only a few hours per day and food spoilage. (disputed by 6 sources)
- The number of travelers to Cuba reached 794,492 through July, a 50.2% decrease from the previous year. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The U.S. Treasury and State departments announced new penalties against state-owned mining, metal, and construction companies. (corroborated by 39 sources)
- The US government sanctioned Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, grandson of former Cuban President Raúl Castro. (corroborated by 37 sources)
- Fernando González Llort, president of ICAP, has been sanctioned by the United States. (corroborated by 32 sources)
- The US government sanctioned five entities and one individual involved in the financial services, metals, mining, and energy sectors. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- The sanctions prohibit financial and commercial transactions with the designated individuals and entities and freeze their assets under US jurisdiction. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- The recorded losses for the 2025-2026 period represent a 7% increase compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 15 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Cuba highlights UN Human Rights Council support against US blockade

The UN Human Rights Council debated a report by Alena Douhan detailing the devastating humanitarian impact of US sanctions and an energy siege on Cuba, calling for the immediate lifting of all coercive measures

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-denounces-us-coercive-measures-at-un-human-rights-council

### 2026-09-09: Cuba fuel imports from the U.S. reach $156.8 million

Cuba's fuel imports from the U.S. reached $156.8 million through July 2026, while officials report record economic losses of $8 billion due to the ongoing U.S. embargo.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-fuel-imports-from-the-us-reach-1568-million

### 2026-09-05: Cuba reports record $8.1 billion economic loss due to US embargo

Cuba reports record economic losses of $8.1 billion due to US sanctions between 2025 and 2026, citing a severe energy crisis and a 62% drop in tourism amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-to-present-un-report-on-impact-of-us-sanctions

### 2026-09-03: US sanctions Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis and Cuban state entities

The US has imposed new sanctions on Cuba, targeting Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the grandson of Raúl Castro, and several state entities in the energy, mining, and banking sectors.

73 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-imposes-sanctions-on-ral-castros-grandson-and-cuban-entities

### 2026-09-01: Cuba tourism declines 62% amid U.S. sanctions and energy embargo

Cuba's tourism plummeted 62% from January to July 2026 due to U.S. energy embargoes and sanctions, leading to hotel closures, airline suspensions, and reduced flight capacity from carriers like Delta.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-falls-62-amid-us-energy-embargo-and-sanctions

### 2026-09-01: Cuba blames US sanctions for rising infant mortality

Cuba attributes rising infant mortality rates to US sanctions and frozen diplomatic talks, while critics suggest the claims may deflect from internal economic and political issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-blames-us-sanctions-for-rising-infant-mortality

### 2026-08-31: Cuba faces new U.S. sanctions and demographic crisis

New U.S. sanctions target Cuban military leadership amid reports on human rights, demographic shifts, and economic instability in Cuba.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-new-us-sanctions-and-demographic-crisis

### 2026-08-25: Cuba accused of signal jamming to suppress protests amid new U.S. sanctions

Cuba is accused of using signal jamming to suppress protests and prevent live broadcasts of repression, while the U.S. imposes new sanctions on Cuban entities and officials for repression and subversion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-accused-of-signal-jamming-to-suppress-protests-amid-new-us-sanctions

### 2026-08-22: Spanish hotel exits from Cuba linked to US pressure and local service declines

Spanish hotel chains like Meliá reportedly exited Cuba due to US political pressure, while local reports highlight declining service standards at state-run establishments like Camagüey's Grand Hotel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-hotel-exits-from-cuba-linked-to-us-pressure-and-local-service-declines

### 2026-08-20: United States imposes new sanctions on Cuban mining and construction entities

The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on nine Cuban state-owned entities in the mining and construction sectors and targeted leaders of the ICAP, accusing them of sponsoring subversive activities.

117 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-expands-sanctions-targeting-cuba-food-supply

### 2026-08-19: Cuba's Díaz-Canel labels U.S. a 'fascist regime' amid intensifying sanctions

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has labeled the U.S. a 'fascist regime' and accused it of 'genocide' amid a deepening economic crisis and escalating sanctions on Cuban industries.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miguel-daz-canel-labels-united-states-a-fascist-regime

### 2026-08-16: Cuba: Social figures critique economic crisis and mass emigration

Cuban figures are using social media and satire to critique the nation's economic crisis, mass emigration, and severe shortages of basic goods and electricity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-social-figures-critique-economic-crisis-and-mass-emigration

### 2026-08-11: Cuba faces severe crisis amid escalating US sanctions

Cuba faces a deepening crisis as UN experts condemn new US sanctions targeting entities and individuals. The island struggles with severe shortages of fuel, water, and food amid rising migration levels.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-experts-condemn-us-sanctions-on-cuba

### 2026-08-07: Cuba tourism plunges 60% in first half of 2026

Cuba’s tourism fell 60.7% in the first half of 2026, with only 387,591 visitors as U.S. sanctions halted flights and forced foreign hotel chains to leave, slashing a key source of foreign exchange.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-plunges-60-in-first-half-of-2026

### 2026-08-05: UN experts warn US sanctions could turn Cuba into a ‘silent Gaza’

UN human‑rights experts say new US sanctions on Cuba risk a “silent Gaza” humanitarian crisis, amid fuel shortages and a third national blackout.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-blocked-shipments-and-seeks-un-fuel-aid-amid-us-sanctions

### 2026-08-04: Cuba faces new U.S. sanctions amid escalating tensions

The U.S. adds sanctions on Cuba, accuses it of terrorism support, and considers military options, deepening bilateral tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-new-us-sanctions-amid-escalating-tensions

### 2026-08-04: Miguel Díaz‑Canel and Cuban entities hit by new US sanctions

The U.S. Treasury added Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel, his family and key Cuban ministries to the sanctions list, blocking assets and banning U.S. transactions.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miguel-dazcanel-and-cuban-entities-hit-by-new-us-sanctions

### 2026-08-02: Cuba's tourism and power sectors crippled by U.S. sanctions

U.S. sanctions have devastated Cuba’s tourism, slashing arrivals and closing most hotels, while a power‑grid collapse has plunged 10 million people into blackout amid fuel shortages.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-tourism-and-power-sectors-crippled-by-us-sanctions

### 2026-07-28: Cuban Tourists Shocked by Sky‑High Prices Amid Deepening Crisis

Cuban social‑media posts reveal soaring beach and market prices that far outpace average wages, underscoring a deepening economic crisis with high inflation and a shrinking economy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuban-tourists-shocked-by-skyhigh-prices-amid-deepening-crisis

### 2026-07-26: Cuba tourism crisis deepens as major Spanish hotel chains exit

Cuba's tourism is in freefall as Spanish hotel chains Meliá, Iberostar and Barceló pull out, citing U.S. sanctions and energy shortages; visitor numbers fell 58% and revenues 42% in early 2024.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-crisis-deepens-as-major-spanish-hotel-chains-exit

### 2026-07-16: US sanctions on Cuba's tourism ministry prompt tourism shift across Caribbean

U.S. sanctions on Cuba's tourism ministry have forced travelers and hotel chains to pivot toward other Caribbean islands, spurring rapid development there while Spanish hotel groups brace for losses in Cuba.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-cubas-energy-and-tourism-sectors

### 2026-07-14: U.S. expands sanctions on Cuba, hitting tourism ministry and crypto wallets

The U.S. added crypto wallets and Cuba’s tourism ministry to sanctions, freezing assets and barring U.S. dealings, as part of a Trump‑era pressure campaign that has crippled Cuba’s tourism and deepened energy‑s

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-cuban-tourism-ministry-and-militarylinked-firms

### 2026-07-13: Cuba-Mexico Tourism Deal Aims to Revive Cuban Visitor Numbers

Cuba and Mexico signed a tourism pact linking the Mundo Maya circuit with Havana and Varadero, launching a joint package in August to counter Cuba’s 58% visitor drop and aid 300,000 tourism workers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-mexico-tourism-deal-aims-to-revive-cuban-visitor-numbers

### 2026-07-12: U.S. adds Cuba's tourism ministry to sanctions list

The U.S. sanctioned Cuba’s tourism ministry and nine state entities, including GAESA‑linked firms and paramilitary groups, freezing assets and banning U.S. transactions; Cuba called the move genocidal, height‑​

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-rican-activists-protest-us-use-of-former-roosevelt-roads-base

### 2026-07-10: Cuba turns to private sector to revive its faltering tourism industry

Cuba’s tourism slump, down 58% early 2026, prompted the government to launch a state‑run agrotourism network and reforms allowing private and foreign travel agencies, aiming to revive the sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-turns-to-private-sector-to-revive-its-faltering-tourism-industry

### 2026-07-09: Cuba tourism collapses as visitor numbers tumble 58% amid sanctions and fuel shortages

Cuba's tourist arrivals fell 58% to 360,000 in the first five months, leaving hotels empty as U.S. sanctions and fuel shortages curb travel, with agencies shifting to aid.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-collapses-as-visitor-numbers-tumble-58-amid-sanctions-and-fuel-shortages

### 2026-07-06: Cuba's tourism sector collapses as US sanctions drive tourists away

U.S. sanctions have cut Cuban tourism by 58 % in early 2026, emptying hotels, halting foreign tours and prompting food‑aid drives amid heightened political pressure.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-tourism-sector-collapses-as-us-sanctions-drive-tourists-away

### 2026-06-30: Cuba keeps major hotels operating in Havana and Varadero

Cuba’s tourism ministry reports many hotels remain open in Havana and Varadero, while Spanish chains navigate mixed ownership and sanctions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-keeps-major-hotels-operating-in-havana-and-varadero

### 2026-06-26: Sunwing Vacations' Cuba Suspension Boosts Canadian Bookings to Dominican Republic and Mexico

Sunwing Vacations' indefinite suspension of Cuba flights on June 5 spurred a 50 % jump in Canadian bookings to the Dominican Republic and a surge to Mexican resorts, while Cuban tourism saw a dramatic decline.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sunwing-vacations-cuba-suspension-boosts-canadian-bookings-to-dominican-republic-and-mexico

### 2026-06-25: Cuba's tourism slump drives hotel closures and job losses

Cuba’s tourism has slumped 58% early 2026, cutting hotel occupancy, prompting foreign operators to leave and leaving 20‑30 k workers unemployed, while visitor complaints highlight poor service despite high fees

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-tourism-slump-drives-hotel-closures-and-job-losses

### 2026-06-17: Cuba tourism plummets as US sanctions trigger flight suspensions and hotel exits

Cuba saw a 58.4% tourism drop in early 2026 as US sanctions force airlines and hotels to leave, worsening fuel, medical and food shortages and lowering child cancer survival rates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-plummets-as-us-sanctions-trigger-flight-suspensions-and-hotel-exits

### 2026-06-12: U.S. sanctions tighten grip on Cuba's tourism and energy sectors

U.S. sanctions target Cuba's Gaesa conglomerate, cutting off oil and prompting hotel chains, Visa and Mastercard to withdraw, threatening a 70% plunge in tourism revenue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-tighten-grip-on-cubas-tourism-and-energy-sectors

### 2026-06-12: Cuba tourism slump cuts income for artisans and bike‑taxi drivers

Cuba’s tourism fell 48 % by March, leaving artisans, bike‑taxi drivers and other small businesses in Old Havana with sharply reduced income.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-slump-cuts-income-for-artisans-and-biketaxi-drivers

### 2026-06-10: Cuba tourism crisis deepens as major hotel chains withdraw

Cuba’s tourism sector reels as Meliá, Iberostar, Blue Diamond and others pull out, amid U.S. sanctions on Gaesa and a 55.8% drop in early‑2026 tourist arrivals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-crisis-deepens-as-major-hotel-chains-withdraw

### 2026-06-07: US sanctions trigger mass hotel chain exits and tourism collapse in Cuba

US secondary sanctions forced major hotel chains, airlines and a payment processor to exit Cuba, cutting tourism by 44 % YoY and deepening the island’s economic crisis.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-hotel-chains-exit-as-us-secondary-sanctions-force-pullout

### 2026-06-07: US sanctions compel Meliá and Iberostar to withdraw from Cuban hotels

US sanctions expanded in May 2026 target Cuban military‑run GAESA, forcing Spanish chains Meliá (15 hotels) and Iberostar (12 hotels) to exit Cuba’s tourism sector amid a 48% drop in visitors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-compel-meli-and-iberostar-to-withdraw-from-cuban-hotels

### 2026-06-06: Air Canada suspends flights to Cuba amid political and economic uncertainty

Air Canada halted all flights to Cuba indefinitely, blaming political and economic uncertainty and recent U.S. statements, as the island faces fuel shortages, power outages, and a tourism slump.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-canada-halts-all-flights-to-cuba-amid-political-and-economic-uncertainty

### 2026-06-05: Cuba tourism sector collapses as major Spanish hotel chains withdraw

U.S. sanctions and an oil embargo forced major Spanish hotel chains to exit Cuba, cutting tourist arrivals by over half and reducing hotel occupancy to under 20%, ending a decades‑long tourism boom.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-sector-collapses-as-major-spanish-hotel-chains-withdraw

### 2026-06-05: Canadian tour operators indefinitely suspend Cuba tourism programs

Sunwing and Air Transat have indefinitely halted their Cuba tourism operations, citing geopolitical tensions and U.S. sanctions, affecting Canadian travelers and the tourism market.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-tour-operators-indefinitely-suspend-cuba-tourism-programs

### 2026-06-05: Cuba opens hotel sector to Cuban investors amid foreign chain exits

Cuba will let Cuban investors run its hotels after chains like Meliá pull out under U.S. sanctions, aiming to offset a 48% plunge in tourist arrivals.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-courts-diaspora-investors-as-us-sanctions-tighten

### 2026-06-05: Cuba faces wave of hotel exits as US bans Visa, Mastercard

U.S. sanctions force Visa/Mastercard suspension in Cuba, prompting Meliá, Iberostar and others to withdraw from dozens of hotels, worsening the island’s economic crisis.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-wave-of-hotel-exits-as-us-bans-visa-mastercard

### 2026-06-05: Cuba loses Visa, Mastercard services as US sanctions trigger hotel chain exits

Cuba halted Visa and Mastercard transactions on 6 June to dodge U.S. sanctions, while major foreign hotel chains and a Canadian miner withdrew, tightening economic pressure on the island.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-loses-visa-mastercard-services-as-us-sanctions-trigger-hotel-chain-exits

### 2026-06-05: US sanctions tighten pressure on Cuba and spur European firms to exit

U.S. sanctions target Cuban leaders, freezing assets and prompting European firms like Meliá, Iberostar, and German shippers to pull out, deepening Cuba’s economic woes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-target-cubas-leadership-and-trigger-european-business-exits

### 2026-06-05: Cuba Halts Visa and Mastercard Payments Amid U.S. Sanctions

Cuba will block Visa and Mastercard payments from 6 June after U.S. sanctions forced the foreign processor to withdraw, threatening tourism revenue and prompting hotel chains to pull back.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-halts-visa-and-mastercard-payments-amid-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-05: Cuba tourism crisis deepens as hotels shut and payment cards disabled

Cuba’s tourism sector is collapsing as nearly 100 hotels close, Visa/Mastercard payments halt, and electricity outages worsen amid U.S. sanctions and a fuel shortage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-tourism-crisis-deepens-as-hotels-shut-and-payment-cards-disabled

### 2026-06-05: Cuba loses Visa and Mastercard services under US sanctions

Visa and Mastercard will stop processing transactions in Cuba from 6 June after a U.S. executive order imposed sanctions, cutting off a key payment channel and deepening the island’s financial isolation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-loses-visa-and-mastercard-services-under-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-04: Cuba opens hotel sector to Cuban investors as Meliá and other foreign chains withdraw

Meliá and other foreign hotel chains exited 15 Cuban hotels amid U.S. sanctions; Cuba’s president announced that Cuban investors, including exiles, may take over hotel management.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-opens-hotel-sector-to-cuban-investors-as-meli-and-other-foreign-chains-withdraw

### 2026-06-04: Visa and Mastercard services halted in Cuba under US sanctions

Cuba’s central bank says Visa and Mastercard will stop operating from June 6 after a foreign processor cut ties with state‑linked Fincimex to obey a U.S. executive order, leaving the island reliant on cash, pre

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/visa-and-mastercard-services-halted-in-cuba-under-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-04: Cuban tourism hit as Spanish hotel chains withdraw under US sanctions

US sanctions forced Spanish hotel chains Meliá and Iberostar to pull out of Cuba, deepening a tourism slump that saw a 55.8% visitor drop and threatening jobs and foreign currency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuban-tourism-hit-as-spanish-hotel-chains-withdraw-under-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-04: Visa and Mastercard Halt Payments in Cuba Amid New U.S. Sanctions

U.S. sanctions forced a foreign bank to stop Visa and Mastercard processing in Cuba, ending card payments and leaving only cash, prepaid cards and Russian or Chinese cards usable.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/visa-and-mastercard-halt-payments-in-cuba-amid-new-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-03: Meliá Hotels International exits 15 Cuban hotels amid US sanctions

Meliá Hotels International will immediately stop managing, marketing and licensing 15 Cuban hotels, citing worsening legal, economic and geopolitical conditions and new US sanctions on GAESA-linked tourism.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meli-hotels-pulls-out-of-15-cuban-properties-amid-us-trump-sanctions

### 2026-06-02: Cuba sees mass exit of foreign hotels and firms as US sanctions tighten

U.S. sanctions on Cuba’s Gaesa have forced Spanish, Canadian and Asian firms, including major hotel chains, to quit the island, delivering a severe blow to the Cuban economy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-prompt-foreign-firms-to-exit-cuba

### 2026-06-02: US sanctions trigger mass withdrawal of foreign firms from Cuba

U.S. sanctions targeting the Gaesa conglomerate forced foreign firms—including hotel groups, a miner and shipping companies—to withdraw from Cuba, halting Visa/Mastercard payments and threatening a severe 2026‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-sanctions-trigger-mass-withdrawal-of-foreign-firms-from-cuba

### 2026-06-02: Cuba's tourism sector hit as foreign firms withdraw under US sanctions

U.S. sanctions on Cuba’s GAESA force foreign hotel chains, airlines and shippers to exit, cutting tourism by over half and worsening the island’s economic crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-tourism-sector-hit-by-wave-of-foreign-hotel-exits-after-us-sanctions-on-gaesa

### 2026-06-02: Cuba to halt Visa and Mastercard payments from June 6

Cuba’s central bank says Visa and Mastercard transactions will stop on June 6 after a foreign processor cut ties with FINCIMEX, citing US Executive Order 14404 sanctions on GAESA, halting card payments for the

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-loses-visa-and-mastercard-services-after-us-sanctions

### 2026-06-01: Cuba loses major foreign hotel chains amid US sanctions

Meliá, Blue Diamond and Iberostar pull 15, 62 and 12 hotels from Cuba as US sanctions on military‑run Gaesa tighten, deepening the island’s tourism downturn.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meli-hotels-to-open-first-costa-del-este-resort-in-argentina

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Cite as: US sanctions deepen Cuba tourism and humanitarian crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/meli-hotels-latin-america-expansion