For the first time in decades, the winter high season begins without Canadian tourists flocking to Cuba. With all Canadian airlines halting flights indefinitely to the island, those in search of affordable sun and sand are now facing increased costs of up to $400 more per person to travel to alternative destinations like Mexico, Dominican Republic, or Jamaica, as reported by Yahoo News Canada.
The Canadian government maintains its advisory against non-essential travel to Cuba, citing shortages of fuel, electricity, food, water, and medicine that impact even the resorts and ground transportation. The warning further notes that fuel supplies and commercial flight options could diminish further without notice.
Rising Costs and Limited Availability
"Right now, with Cuba off the table and most travelers still wanting to find an alternative destination, the availability and prices we're seeing are unlike any other year," said Ashley Harold, a travel expert at Flight Centre Canada.
Harold explained to the Canadian outlet that Cuba's absence is driving up prices and depleting inventory in alternative destinations. A previously all-inclusive holiday package priced at just under 1,400 Canadian dollars per person now costs around 1,800 dollars in these markets—an increase of about $400 per traveler, or roughly 1,700 dollars more for a family of four.
"The question isn't simply where to go instead," Harold remarked. "It's about what it means to lose one of the most affordable market options in terms of price, choice, and how much flexibility will be required."
Impact on Cuba and Caribbean Competitors
Among the ten most popular holiday packages reviewed by Flight Centre, half are already sold out or have very limited availability. Approximately 32% of Canadians are booking earlier than usual.
The impact on Cuba is severe. Canada was the island's top source market—over 41% of visitors in 2025, around 754,000 tourists—and arrivals from that country have plummeted: from 526,239 visitors in the first eight months of 2025 to a mere 128,400 during the same period in 2026.
While Cuban hotels accumulate empty rooms, Caribbean competitors reap the benefits. Hotel occupancy in the Dominican Republic averaged 81.5%, with Punta Cana reaching 88.2%. Canadian bookings to this destination during March vacations surged by 142%.
Cuba's Struggling Tourism Sector
The situation within Cuba is starkly different. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero disclosed to the National Assembly that 73% of the country's hotels remained closed as of late July, with about 25,000 workers in a state of labor availability. In October, Gaviota, a tourism subsidiary of GAESA, operated only 3,470 of its over 30,000 declared rooms, a mere 11.6% of its capacity.
As the upcoming winter season approaches, no Canadian airline plans to resume operations to Cuba, solidifying the crisis in a Cuba without its once-primary source of visitors during the season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Tourists and Cuba
Why are Canadian airlines not flying to Cuba?
Canadian airlines have indefinitely suspended flights to Cuba due to the Canadian government's advisory against non-essential travel, citing shortages of fuel, electricity, food, water, and medicines.
How has Cuba's tourism been affected by the absence of Canadian tourists?
Cuba's tourism sector has been severely impacted, with a significant drop in Canadian visitors, leading to empty hotel rooms and a large portion of the workforce in labor availability.
What are the alternative destinations for Canadians seeking sun and beach vacations?
Canadians are opting for destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, although these alternatives are more expensive than Cuba.