The tourism industry in Cuba is facing an unprecedented decline at a time when the island is in dire need of foreign currency. Once a major economic driver for nearly two decades, the sector is now experiencing its worst downturn.
Visitor numbers have dropped by nearly 70% compared to 2018, according to data reported by the Associated Press.
Each day in Havana, a handful of tourists snap photos with the iconic classic cars but leave without booking any rides. "It's disheartening," says Reymundo Aldama, who drives a pink 1957 Ford Fairlane.
"We're waiting for them to come, waiting for work," Aldama laments, noting the absence of travelers on the island.
This collapse in tourism has a direct impact on thousands of Cubans who rely on the industry for their livelihoods. Drivers, waiters, landlords, and street vendors are enduring increasingly longer days with diminishing returns.
"I used to charge $50 for a tour, but now I have to lower it to $25 or even $20," Aldama explains.
The crisis is exacerbated by blackouts, shortages, and a fuel supply crunch, worsened after the disruption of oil shipments from Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Additionally, Mexico recently announced a temporary suspension of its crude oil supply to Cuba.
From January to November 2025, the island attracted only 1.6 million visitors, a stark contrast to the 4.8 million recorded in 2018. Sanctions imposed by Washington and the deterioration of basic services, including transportation and urban cleanliness, have further deterred tourists.
"There's been a massive change," acknowledges Gaspar Biart, a driver of tourist buses. "They used to be packed; now they depart nearly empty." During the tourism boom, eight double-decker buses toured Havana; today, only four remain, most of which are nearly vacant.
While the regime attempts to pin the blame on the embargo and sanctions, the reality on the ground is evident with shuttered businesses, empty restaurants, and growing despair among workers. "The day we run out of gas, we'll stop driving," Aldama states. "There's no other choice."
Impact of Tourism Decline in Cuba
Why has tourism in Cuba declined so dramatically?
Tourism in Cuba has declined due to a combination of sanctions from Washington, deteriorating basic services, and recent geopolitical changes affecting oil supplies. These factors have deterred many visitors.
How has the tourism decline affected workers in Cuba?
The decline has severely impacted workers such as drivers, waiters, landlords, and vendors who depend on tourism for income. They are facing longer workdays with significantly reduced earnings.