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Cuba's Tourism on the Brink of Collapse: Empty Hotels and Total Crisis

The Cuban tourism industry hits historic lows. Energy siege and lack of Canadian and Russian flights leave Old Havana and Varadero empty.

By Zunzún · AI-assisted writing · reviewed by a person before publication

2 min read

Lonely street in Old Havana with deteriorating historic buildings

Old Havana, the once-beating heart of international tourism in Cuba, today looks like a ghost town. February 25, 2026, marks a grim turning point: the tourism industry, the island’s primary foreign currency lifeline, is on the verge of total paralysis due to a perfect storm of energy blockade and crumbling infrastructure.

”Everything Looks Dead”

Recent reports from international media such as the BBC and testimonies from entrepreneurs on the ground describe a capital where luxury hotels remain dark and rooms empty. In the informal market, the price of gasoline for rental cars has reached 10 USD per liter, a prohibitive cost that has paralyzed classic tourist circuits to Viñales or Trinidad.

The drastic drop in visitor arrivals—barely 1.8 million people in 2025—has hit not only state coffers but also the more than 300,000 self-employed workers who depend on foreign consumption and tips.

The Final Blow: Aviation Fuel Crisis

The announcement of a critical shortage of Jet A1 fuel was the final trigger. The mass repatriation of Canadian and Russian tourists in early February left a void that the peak season has failed to fill. Without stable direct flights, the flow of fresh dollars has almost completely stopped.

“Before I left, there were weeks with a maximum of five customers,” says a barista who recently fled the country. “Without tourists, there are no dollars; and without dollars, the country literally shuts down.”

Failed Investment in Luxury Hotels

While the National Electric System (SEN) collapses due to lack of maintenance, the Cuban government continued to prioritize the construction of high-end hotels through GAESA. Today, these structures face occupancy levels below 30%, becoming “white elephants” in the middle of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Visitor Comparison (High Season):

  • 2018 (Record): 4.7 million visitors.
  • 2023: 2.4 million visitors.
  • 2025: 1.8 million visitors.

Sources: BBC News Mundo, OnCuba News

Frequently asked questions

How many tourists visited Cuba in 2025?
According to official ONEI figures, Cuba received only 1.8 million visitors in 2025, an 18% decrease from the previous year and the lowest level in 13 years (excluding the pandemic).
Why have so many flights to the island been suspended?
The Jet A1 fuel crisis has forced Canadian and Russian airlines to suspend routes following announcements of a lack of supply for refueling at Cuban airports.
What is the financial impact of this decline?
Tourism is the country's primary source of foreign exchange. Its paralysis prevents the government from importing food, medicine, and supplies for the electrical system, worsening the crisis cycle.
How are international hotel chains reacting?
Giants like NH have closed all operations on the island, while Meliá has begun 'compacting' services and temporarily closing facilities due to low occupancy, which is below 30%.

Sources

  1. BBC News Mundo · bbc.com
  2. OnCuba News · oncubanews.com
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