Cuba’s Tourism Industry Faces Decline Amid Blackouts and Shortages

As Cuba grapples with worsening blackouts, food and fuel shortages, and labor issues, the Caribbean island is finding it increasingly difficult to attract tourists. According to Cuban government statistics, Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia announced that Cuba welcomed 2.2 million international visitors this year, significantly below the target of 3.2 million and less than half of pre-pandemic levels.

This decline has stalled what was a tentative recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, and tourism expert Paolo Spadoni warns that reversing this trend may prove challenging. “Unfortunately, Cuba is becoming every day more unique for all the wrong reasons, and thus more unattractive as a tourist destination,” said Spadoni, an economist at Augusta University in Georgia. “Prospects for 2025 are not encouraging.”

Cuba has long drawn tourists with its unique charm

Cuba has long drawn tourists with its unique charm, characterized by vintage 1950s cars and towns that seem untouched by modern commercial development. However, recent nationwide blackouts have severely impacted daily life, including the tourism sector. While some larger hotels have backup generators, many budget accommodations and rental homes lack such facilities, leaving guests without air conditioning in the tropical heat.

Taxi driver David Sarzo, who operates a vintage U.S. sedan in Havana, expressed concern over the ongoing crisis, stating, “We cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel… which is leading tourism agents to steer clients away from Cuba.”

In response to the recent electrical grid failures, the tourism ministry attempted to reassure potential visitors, stating, “We are prepared to face the current challenges and ensure that tourism activities are developed normally.” However, the negative news has spread, prompting travel advisories from other countries.

Canada, the largest source of tourists to Cuba, has advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel. Similarly, Germany has urged travelers to “carefully consider the necessity” of visiting the island.

Several travel businesses have reacted to the situation. Canadian travel agency Sunwing announced it had removed 26 hotels from its list of destinations in Cuba, citing “volatility… that may shake consumer confidence.” Additionally, Germany’s Condor Airline, which has operated flights to Cuba for decades, stated it would cease flights to the island starting in May, opting for destinations with higher demand.

Canadian tourist Kyle Cong, who visited Cuba in December of the previous year, noted a significant drop in tourist numbers this year, attributing the decline to reports of recent blackouts. “People get concerned,” he said, reflecting the growing apprehension among potential visitors.