Annually, Cuba's standing as a top Caribbean destination diminishes, as the steady decline of its tourism industry persists, failing to bounce back to pre-crisis levels. According to figures shared by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) on Facebook, by August 2025, the country welcomed 1,791,363 travelers, representing only 84.3% compared to the same period in 2024, which is a reduction of 332,910 visitors.
Out of this total, international visitors accounted for 1,259,972, merely 78.4% of the previous year's tally. In absolute terms, this means Cuba saw 347,896 fewer tourists than during the same time frame in 2024. Canada remained the leading source of tourists, despite a significant drop: 526,245 visitors compared to 665,856 the year before. Following Canada, the Cuban community abroad saw a decrease from 203,206 to 161,195 visitors.
Travel from the United States also declined, with 83,981 individuals visiting, down from 104,358 in 2024. Similar declines were noted in tourists arriving from Russia (from 132,927 to 80,553), as well as from Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Mexico. Argentina was the only exception, showing a slight uptick: 34,833 visitors compared to 32,904 the previous year.
These statistics confirm the ongoing downward trend in Cuban tourism amidst a backdrop of structural crises, loss of air connectivity, and intensifying regional competition. This downturn comes at a critical juncture for the national economy, heavily reliant on tourism as a primary source of foreign exchange.
In 2024, Cuba faced one of its worst tourism periods in nearly two decades, reflecting the sector's inability to recover to pre-pandemic and pre-economic crisis levels. The situation worsened with a significant decline in Russian tourism, a previously pivotal market. This coincided with a growing negative perception of Cuba as a travel destination.
As the situation continued to deteriorate, many Cubans questioned who would choose to visit a country plagued by power outages and social unrest, highlighting that not only foreign tourists but also the Cuban diaspora were losing interest in visiting the island. The collapse of international tourism was soon confirmed, affecting all source markets and placing the sector in a precarious position for the country's finances.
By September, challenges became more apparent as the government attempted to reassure tourists amidst ongoing power outages, while Canada cautioned its citizens about the lack of electricity, a direct hit to Cuba's primary visitor base.
Impact of Tourism Decline on Cuba's Economy
What are the key factors contributing to the decline in Cuban tourism?
The decline in Cuban tourism is attributed to structural economic crises, loss of air connectivity, and increased competition from other Caribbean destinations. Additionally, negative perceptions of the country due to power outages and social unrest have deterred travelers.
How has the decline in tourism affected Cuba's economy?
The downturn in tourism has significantly impacted Cuba's economy as it relies heavily on the sector for foreign exchange. The reduced number of visitors has strained financial resources, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the country.
Which countries have shown a significant drop in travelers to Cuba?
Significant drops have been observed in travelers from Canada, the United States, Russia, as well as several European countries including Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal. Mexico also saw a decline in visitors to Cuba.