The Cuban YouTuber Camila Carballo has released a video from Old Havana highlighting the dramatic decline of tourism and the deepening crisis in the country.
Her video captures nearly deserted streets, with few pedestrians and a noticeable absence of tourists. One of Havana's most renowned hotels appears empty and inactive.
Camila visits the iconic terrace of the Hotel Inglaterra, typically bustling with international visitors, only to find it completely deserted.
Despite live music performances, the audience consists mainly of a few Cubans enjoying the show from the street, dancing discreetly, aware that they will soon return home to face yet another blackout.
The Economic Toll of Decreased Tourism
In 2025, international tourism in Cuba concluded with roughly 1.8 million visitors, significantly lower than pre-pandemic numbers, marking one of the worst years for the industry in decades.
The tourism sector has been severely affected by fuel and energy shortages. The lack of aviation fuel has led several airlines to suspend or reduce flights to the island, and some governments have issued travel advisories against visiting Cuba due to prolonged power outages, a lack of basic services, and unpredictable conditions.
Hotels are forced to close or scale back operations due to low occupancy rates and logistical constraints. Meanwhile, in cities like Havana, the roads remain empty because of fuel shortages that also hinder local transportation.
Long-standing Challenges
It's crucial to note that while the fuel crisis intensified following the January capture of Nicolás Maduro, the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, and former President Donald Trump's tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, prolonged blackouts and accumulating garbage in the streets are not new phenomena.
For over five years, Cubans have endured daily power cuts lasting several hours and a continuous decline in basic services amidst an ongoing structural crisis that predates the most recent events.
Carballo's video paints a picture of a cityscape marked by the absence of tourists, frequent blackouts, darkened streets, and an economy struggling to survive without its primary source of foreign exchange and fuel.
Understanding Cuba's Tourism and Economic Crisis
How has the decline in tourism affected Cuba economically?
The decline in tourism has drastically reduced Cuba's foreign exchange earnings, exacerbating the existing economic crisis. Lower visitor numbers have led to hotel closures and reduced operations, impacting employment and local businesses reliant on tourist spending.
What factors have contributed to the tourism decline in Cuba?
Several factors have contributed to the decline, including fuel and energy shortages, suspension of flights due to lack of aviation fuel, and travel advisories warning against visiting Cuba because of power outages and insufficient services.
How long have Cubans been facing power outages?
Cubans have been dealing with daily power outages for over five years, which are part of a broader structural crisis affecting the country's basic services and infrastructure.