Tourism in Cuba is experiencing its most challenging period in decades. In 2024, the island welcomed just 2.2 million international tourists, marking a 9.6% decrease from the previous year and the lowest number in the past twenty years. The Cuban population has been quick to react on social media upon learning these figures from the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI), which are significantly below the official target of 3.2 million visitors, later adjusted to 2.7 million.
Responses to the tourism crisis are accompanied by complaints about the poor conditions of hotels, deteriorating infrastructure, lack of essential services, and increasing insecurity throughout the country. "Hotels are two stars less than advertised. Without a decent buffet, rooms often lack comfort, suffer from moisture issues, leaks, and inadequate air conditioning," noted one user.
Adding to the woes is the absence of recreational and dining options outside of hotels: "Outside the hotel, there's nothing—neither a good restaurant nor a diverse recreational center for all ages."
Decline in Traditional Tourist Markets
The decline in tourism is also evident in the drop of visitors from traditional markets. Canada remains the largest source of tourists, sending 860,877 travelers in 2024, followed by Russia (185,816), the United States (142,450), Germany (65,487), Spain (65,054), and Mexico (62,839). However, countries like Spain and Italy experienced significant drops of 27.1% and 15.9%, respectively. Additionally, the arrival of Cuban residents from abroad fell by 17.8%.
Economic and Energy Woes Impact Tourism
The economic and energy crises plaguing the country are evident in the tourism experience. "Cuba is the only place in the world where even tourists struggle," expressed another user on social media. Among the chief complaints are the unstable electricity service, scarce bottled drinking water, lack of public transportation, and growing street crime.
"From the moment you arrive at the airport, you're harassed by workers for a 'little help'," another comment highlighted, referring to the prevalent practice of soliciting tips for any service.
Bleak Prospects for Future Tourism
As the crisis deepens, expectations of recovery in the tourism sector diminish. "And in 2025, with the current shortages, there will be even less tourism, or none at all," predicted one user. Another sarcastically remarked, "If you want to see ruins, you're better off going to Rome."
The frustration is widespread, with many Cubans viewing the lack of tourists as a direct consequence of the country's dire situation. "For the Cuban people, there's nothing, because everything is for the tourists, and now there's not even enough for them. No one should come to this country," stated another internet user.
In 2019, before the pandemic, the island saw 4.2 million tourists, whereas in 2023, it barely reached 2.4 million, and the figure was even lower in 2024. The pressing question remains whether Cuba can regain its tourist appeal or if the crisis will continue to sink a sector that, despite substantial investments by the regime, has failed to become the economic engine of the country over the past 60 years.
Understanding the Cuban Tourism Crisis
Why is tourism declining in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba is declining due to poor hotel conditions, deteriorating infrastructure, lack of basic services, and increasing insecurity. Additionally, economic and energy crises are impacting the overall tourist experience.
Which countries are the main sources of tourists to Cuba?
Canada is the largest source of tourists to Cuba, followed by Russia, the United States, Germany, Spain, and Mexico.
What are the major complaints from tourists visiting Cuba?
Tourists frequently complain about unstable electricity, lack of bottled water, insufficient public transportation, and safety concerns.