Cuba experienced a 62% decrease in international arrivals during the first seven months of 2026. The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reported approximately 419,000 visitors traveled to Cuba from January through July, compared to about 1.1 million during the same period in 2025.
Economic Crisis and U.S. Sanctions Drive Decline
The sharp reduction in tourist numbers is primarily attributed to Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, which involves shortages and power outages disrupting daily operations. Additionally, between May and July 2026, the U.S. State Department imposed sanctions targeting companies involved in Cuba’s tourism sector, including measures restricting access to U.S. financial systems. These actions intensified difficulties for
the industry.
Airline and Hotel Suspensions Impact Travel
Following U.S. restrictions, major international hotel chains such as Meliá, Iberostar, and Royalton suspended their contracts in Cuba. The Cuban government’s ban on aircraft refueling, amid severe fuel shortages, led airlines including World2Fly, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia to suspend flights to the island, further limiting inbound travel options.
Payment Withdrawals and Tourism Business Closures
Visa and Mastercard withdrew their payment services from Cuba, complicating transactions for visitors and businesses dependent on international tourism. Key tourism areas have reported hotel and private accommodation closures or significant drops in occupancy rates. Coastal beaches, retail shops, and attractions heavily reliant on foreign customers have also
experienced diminished visitor traffic.
Before the recent declines, Cuba welcomed about 4.3 million international tourists in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism had been generating approximately $3 billion annually for over 30 years, making it one of the island’s most critical economic sectors. The 2026 downturn marks a substantial setback for the industry amid continued economic challenges.
