Posted on November 9, 2025
Cuba’s tourism sector is facing a sharp decline, with the island seeing a 20% drop in foreign arrivals during the first nine months of 2025. The setback has left the country struggling to regain the confidence of international tourists, as persistent economic challenges, energy shortages and US sanctions continue to hamper its appeal. Experts predict that the island is on track to perform even worse in 2025, indicating a difficult year ahead for Cuba’s once-thriving tourism industry. Given these persistent issues, the path to recovery appears increasingly uncertain.
Tourism in Cuba is facing a major setback, and is heading towards its worst performance since the pandemic
Cuba’s once-thriving tourism industry is facing a sharp decline, with the island now on track to experience its worst tourism year since the pandemic. Recent figures from Cuba’s National Statistics Agency reveal that the island received just 1.4 million international visitors in the first three quarters of 2025. This represents a significant 20% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the growing challenges faced by Cuba’s tourism sector.
Although tourism tends to see a seasonal spike in the final months of the year, experts warn that Cuba is unlikely to receive a total of 2.2 million visitors last year. While 2024’s numbers were already considered a low point — being the worst Cuba has seen in more than 20 years, excluding the pandemic years from 2020 to 2022 — 2025 is set to produce even worse results.
Historically, tourism has been an important part of the Cuban economy. However, this once vibrant industry has been severely impacted by a combination of internal and external factors that have led to its current decline. These challenges include ongoing power outages, shortages of basic goods, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing consequences of US economic sanctions.
One of the primary factors contributing to the downturn is the unreliable energy supply that has plagued Cuba for some time. Regular power outages not only impact the daily lives of Cubans, but also disrupt services vital to the tourism sector, such as accommodation, transportation, and dining experiences. Tourists who expect reliable services and infrastructure may be deterred by frequent outages and the inconvenience they cause.
The shortage of basic supplies such as food, medicine and toiletries is another pressing issue for Cuban tourism. Visitors to the island have increasingly reported difficulty finding basic necessities, making travel to Cuba less attractive to those accustomed to modern conveniences. The scarcity of goods has tarnished the country’s image as a tourist destination, contributing to the decline in arrivals.
The global economic downturn and increasing uncertainty in the travel market have also had a negative impact on tourism in Cuba. As inflation rises and global travel costs rise, many potential tourists are choosing destinations with more stable economies and better infrastructure. As the world recovers from the effects of the pandemic, Cuba’s tourism sector is struggling to regain its previous momentum, with many travelers looking for more predictable and hassle-free destinations.
Furthermore, US economic sanctions continue to weigh heavily on Cuba’s tourism industry. These sanctions have made it difficult for Cuba to access international financial markets, limiting foreign investment in key areas such as tourism infrastructure. Sanctions have also restricted the flow of visitors from the United States, who traditionally account for a large portion of international arrivals to Cuba.
Cuba’s tourism infrastructure, which once captivated travelers with its vibrant culture, historical monuments and clean beaches, now needs urgent modernization. Many of the island’s main tourist facilities, such as hotels and resorts, are old and in need of renovation. The lack of investment in these facilities has led to a decline in the quality of services provided, which has discouraged tourists from visiting them.
Despite these obstacles, Cuba’s unique cultural and natural offerings remain attractive to a certain segment of the global tourism market. The island is home to world-famous music, dance, art and historical landmarks, as well as stunning beaches and natural beauty. However, these attractions are no longer sufficient to overcome the current challenges facing the country.
The Cuban government faces an uphill battle trying to revive the tourism industry. In addition to improving the country’s infrastructure and addressing supply shortages, Cuba will need to rebuild confidence among international tourists. Ongoing economic difficulties, unreliable services and a complex political environment have led many potential visitors to choose other destinations.
Looking ahead, Cuba’s tourism industry is likely to face continued difficulties in 2025, with no immediate solution in sight. However, there is still some hope that with significant reforms, the island can recover and once again become a top destination for international travellers. Cuba’s ability to regain its position as a leading tourism hotspot will depend on its ability to address the fundamental issues that have hindered growth and provide a more stable and reliable experience for tourists in the years to come.
Cuba’s tourism industry faces a 20% drop in foreign arrivals in 2025, and is struggling to regain tourist confidence amid economic challenges, energy shortages and US sanctions, with experts predicting an even worse year ahead.
Currently, the outlook for Cuba’s tourism sector remains uncertain. Although there is potential for future recovery, the near future is fraught with challenges that will take time, effort and resources to overcome. As the year goes on, it is clear that Cuba’s tourism industry faces a long road to recovery.
