The state-run travel agency Cubanacán is set to launch a new weekly flight service this Sunday, connecting the tourist destinations of Havana to Holguín, with a stopover in the beach resort of Cayo Coco.
According to the agency's announcement on social media, there will be two daily routes: a morning flight departing from Havana at 5 AM and returning at 9 AM, and an evening flight leaving at 8 PM and coming back at 10 PM.
Reportedly, the aim of this new route is to create "an itinerary that links three of Cuba's most recognized tourist destinations in a single journey."
By introducing this connection, the beleaguered national tourism industry hopes to significantly cut down travel times and offer combined tourist packages.
The official statement describes the new air service as "a well-defined commercial and logistical strategy to invigorate traveler movement between the capital, the eastern region of the country, and the most sought-after sun-and-beach destinations."
Nonetheless, despite these efforts, the Cuban tourism industry is experiencing a steep decline.
Challenges in Cuban Tourism
As of October 2025, Cuba had welcomed 2,132,680 travelers, a figure that represents only 85.6% of the visitors recorded during the same period the previous year.
The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reported that the country also saw 1,477,892 international visitors, marking a 20% decrease from 2024, which translates to 366,916 fewer foreign tourists compared to last year.
Canada, the Cuban diaspora abroad, Russia, the United States, and Mexico remain the primary sources of tourists to Cuba, though all have shown a significant drop compared to the previous period.
For instance, Canadian visitors fell from 727,254 in 2024 to 596,644 in 2025, while Russian tourists decreased from 156,614 to 99,908, one of the most severe declines.
Only Argentina and Colombia recorded slight increases in tourist arrivals, with growths of around 8% and 9%, respectively, though these are insufficient to reverse the overall negative trend in the sector.
Tourism, a key economic pillar for the regime, continues to fall short of official targets and pre-pandemic levels amid a backdrop of economic crisis, fuel shortages, deteriorating hotel infrastructure, and a lack of international appeal.
Despite official propaganda touting a "gradual recovery of tourism," ONEI's figures confirm a sustained downturn in the sector, directly impacting foreign currency income and employment in tourist hubs such as Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Holguín.
Understanding Cuba's Tourism Decline
Why is the Cuban tourism industry struggling?
The Cuban tourism industry is struggling due to a combination of economic crisis, fuel shortages, decaying hotel infrastructure, and a diminished international appeal.
What are the new flight routes introduced by Cubanacán?
Cubanacán has introduced weekly flights linking Havana, Cayo Coco, and Holguín, with two routes daily—one in the morning and another in the evening.
How has international tourist visitation changed in Cuba?
International tourist visitation to Cuba has decreased by 20% compared to 2024, with significant declines in visitors from major source countries like Canada and Russia.