An article by Chiara Vitali, a special correspondent for the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire, paints a stark picture of the current state of tourism in Cuba. Published on Sunday, November 8, the report from Varadero and Havana highlights the dire situation: nearly empty hotels, deserted beaches, and workers struggling to survive by selling coconuts due to the disappearance of their jobs.
Juan Ivanez, an employee at a Varadero hotel, showed the reporter a guest list featuring only 80 names, a drastic drop from the usual 400. The hotel lobby was nearly empty, with just three people present, and the pool was completely deserted. "Seventy of the guests are Cubans. Foreign tourists have vanished," Ivanez remarked, echoing a sentiment that, according to Avvenire, "every Cuban repeats": "We've never experienced such a difficult time."
Nearby, on the almost empty shore, Ivan, a former carpenter for several hotels, was attempting to sell two coconuts. "I used to be a carpenter for various hotels, but now some are closed, and the lack of electricity makes it hard to work," he explained to the Italian newspaper. His family resides in Santiago de Cuba, and he hasn't been able to visit them all year: "There's no fuel for transportation."
The grim scenario described by Avvenire is supported by Cuban state data cited in the article: 73% of hotels have closed in the past year, and the arrival of international tourists fell by at least 58% in the first half of 2026. Out of approximately 300,000 people typically employed in the sector, 30,000 have lost their jobs, according to these official sources.
The figures align with admissions from the Cuban regime itself. Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda acknowledged on the state television program Mesa Redonda that the sector's workforce decreased from about 103,000 at the end of 2025 to around 83,000 currently, affecting or temporarily relocating some 22,000 jobs to hospitals and industries. García Granda attributed the decline to a "progressive deterioration" beginning with the pandemic, not just recent challenges.
Cuban economist Ricardo Torres warned in June that, although many workers formally retain their contracts, the real loss is immediate: the crisis "directly impacts the income sources of many workers," as most rely on tips and informal earnings linked to foreign visitors.
The collapse of the sector—largely controlled by the military conglomerate GAESA through its subsidiary Gaviota—has worsened following U.S. sanctions that prompted the exit of Iberostar, Meliá, and Barceló between June and July. Varadero, once a hallmark of Caribbean tourism, has become a destination that European operators are redirecting to Isla Margarita or the Dominican Republic.
The downturn extends to Havana. In the deserted Plaza Vieja, Ilenio, a bar employee, summed up the situation in one sentence: "We don't have enough electricity to produce our own beer."
Avvenire also highlights the impact of mass emigration on the urban landscape: thousands of homes sold at low prices by those leaving the island have come under the management of the Office of the Historian. Its director, Perla Rosales Aguirreurreta, told the newspaper they have initiated a process to receive foreign capital proposals for these properties, though "none have been evaluated so far," and there are "very strict rules."
The package of 176 economic reforms approved by the National Assembly on June 18—touted by regime affiliates as "the most profound change since 1959"—includes measures for tourism, such as private management of hotels and opening to foreign capital without mandatory state mediation. However, Avvenire cautions that the reforms "remain words in a document for now," and the final decision on any new activity still lies with the central government.
Before the pandemic, Cuba's tourism sector employed between 140,000 and 150,000 people. In 2018, it welcomed nearly 4.7 million visitors. By the end of October 2026, Cuba had achieved only 28.8% of its annual tourism plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Tourism Crisis
What caused the decline in Cuba's tourism industry?
The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including the pandemic's impact, U.S. sanctions, and a lack of electricity and resources, which have led to hotel closures and a significant drop in international visitors.
How has the workforce in the tourism sector been affected?
The workforce has shrunk significantly, with many employees losing their jobs or being temporarily reassigned to other sectors. The reduction in foreign visitors has also affected workers' income, as they rely heavily on tips and informal earnings.
What are the recent economic reforms related to tourism in Cuba?
Recent reforms include allowing private management of hotels and opening up to foreign investment without mandatory state involvement. However, these changes are still in the planning stages and haven't been implemented yet.