The Cuban Ministry of Tourism has revoked the operating licenses of two foreign travel agencies that were promoting trips to the island, according to a resolution published in the Official Gazette of the Republic in its ordinary edition number 38, released this Tuesday.
Through Resolution 16/2025, the registration of the representative office in Cuba of the Mexican agency PROTOURS SERVICE S.A. de C.V. was denied. The decision came after it was revealed that the company had permanently ceased operations and is undergoing bankruptcy and liquidation. This decision was made by the head of the Ministry, Juan Carlos García Granda, as detailed in the publication.
Additionally, Resolution 35/2025 also rejected the application submitted by the state agency CUBATUR S.A. to act as a representative in the country for the British agency DESIGN TRAVEL L.T.D. The Ministry cited the "low level of issuance" from the foreign entity, which, according to them, does not justify the signing of a representation contract.
Both resolutions are part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Tourism to reorganize the operations of foreign agencies within Cuba, aligning with its methodological guidance role in this sector, as per Agreement 7742 of the Council of Ministers.
In parallel, the Cuban government has authorized the registration of new commercial representations, including SKEDIO INVESTMENT S.L.U., replacing SKEDIO S.L., and NOVELA TRAVEL S.A.S., which will be allowed to operate within the national territory under strict regulations. These regulations limit their scope of activities to supervision, promotion, and contracting from abroad.
The publication notes that these measures indicate a "greater state control" over foreign tourism promotion activities in Cuba, aimed at "enhancing efficiency and transparency in the sector."
Despite the regime's efforts to boost tourism to the island, the outlook remains bleak. In January 2025, tourism in Cuba plummeted by 25% compared to the previous year, attributed to various factors such as the energy crisis, the deterioration of hotel infrastructure, and supply restrictions.
Impact of Tourism Changes in Cuba
Why did Cuba revoke the licenses of certain travel agencies?
Cuba revoked the licenses due to one agency's bankruptcy and low performance levels of another, which did not justify a representation contract.
What is the impact of these changes on the tourism sector in Cuba?
The changes are part of a strategy to increase state control over foreign tourism promotion and aim to improve the sector's efficiency and transparency.
How has tourism in Cuba been performing recently?
Tourism in Cuba experienced a 25% decline in January 2025 compared to the previous year, affected by various challenges including an energy crisis and infrastructure issues.