Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz expressed on Thursday that the government remains hopeful regarding the United States' sanctions, believing they are not destined to last. This statement was made during the virtual opening of the 44th International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2026.
"We are optimistic, anticipating that these sanctions will not be long-lasting and that we can gradually return to normalcy," Marrero stated in a pre-recorded video shared on YouTube. This event was touted by the regime as a "technological modernization," yet it highlights the tourism sector's collapse.
The statement was issued a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions targeting GAESA, the military-run conglomerate holding control over 40% to 70% of Cuba's formal economy, with assets exceeding $18 billion.
Rubio firmly countered the regime's optimism: "We will continue to take action until the regime implements all necessary political and economic reforms."
The U.S. also set a deadline of June 5 for foreign companies to cease operations with GAESA, threatening secondary sanctions. On the same day, Canadian company Sherritt International halted all activities in Cuba, withdrew its employees, and saw its stock price plummet by up to 30%.
Challenges Facing the Tourism Industry
Marrero addressed the regime's trade partners at the fair with a rhetorical message: "They may block us energetically and economically, but they won't block our sun, our beaches, or the hospitality of the Cuban people."
He went further, asserting that visiting Cuba supports its citizens: "Every tourist who travels to Cuba is helping the Cuban people," he remarked to the over 900 exhibitors at the event.
Tourism data, however, starkly contradict this optimism. Cuba welcomed only 298,057 international visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 48% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. In March, the number dropped to just 35,561 tourists, a 79% decline from approximately 170,000 in March of the previous year.
Russian tourism dwindled to a mere 249 visitors in March, while Canadian tourism—traditionally the largest market—saw only 511 tourists that month, compared to 98,663 in March 2025.
Impact of Economic and Energy Crises
The tourism industry's collapse has left 300,000 workers jobless and without income, and hotel occupancy rates plunged to 18.9%-21.5% in the first quarter, with more than 80% of rooms remaining vacant.
The crisis was exacerbated as the fair unfolded amidst a severe energy collapse: power outages lasting up to 25 hours a day affected over 55% of Cuban territory. This is a result of more than 240 sanctions imposed by the Trump administration since January 2026 and the interception of at least seven tankers headed to the island.
Rubio emphasized on Wednesday that "the profound economic reforms Cuba needs are impossible under the current regime," making it clear that Washington has no plans to ease pressure unless the dictatorship changes course.
Questions on Cuban Sanctions and Tourism Decline
Why does the Cuban government remain hopeful about U.S. sanctions?
The Cuban government, led by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, believes that the U.S. sanctions are temporary and anticipates a gradual return to normalcy.
What impact have the sanctions had on Cuba's tourism sector?
The sanctions have contributed to a significant decline in tourism, with visitor numbers dropping dramatically and leaving hundreds of thousands of workers in the industry without jobs or income.
How has the energy crisis affected Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to power outages lasting up to 25 hours a day, affecting over half of the country, compounding the difficulties faced by the Cuban people.