Tourists used to love this island, but something has changed. The decline in bookings is concerning.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Cuba is declining. According to data from the Republic's National Office of Statistics and Information, the island saw 25 percent fewer visitors in the first half of this year than during the same period in 2024. While the government's target for this year is 2.6 million visitors, only about one million have visited Cuba so far. This is a worrying figure, as tourism is the most important sector of the Caribbean island's economy.

Tourists don't want to come here

Cubans are waiting for tourists, and they are dwindling. This year's statistics are disturbing, revealing the true impact of the crisis that has gripped the island for years. Declines in visitor numbers are evident among the nationalities previously most frequently seen in Cuba – Canadians, as well as Russians, whose numbers have dropped by as much as half. "Other countries that typically host tourists, such as the United States, Germany, France, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and Italy, also saw double-digit declines," writes Travel and Tour World.

The tourism crisis is affecting the job market

There may be several reasons why tourists are no longer so keen to visit Cuba. First, the reduced number of visitors is due to restrictions on the number of flights, particularly from the United States. "Travelers have fewer choices, and travel is more expensive, which means fewer people are deciding to come," we read.

Tourists who value a full all-inclusive buffet over a cultural experience may also be disappointed by Cuba's shortage of goods. Last year, the island experienced several weeks of power and basic food shortages , and while the crisis affects tourists vacationing in resorts less than locals, it's not a luxurious getaway comparable to the Dominican Republic.

Fewer tourists are pushing Cuba even further into the background. People have lost their jobs, and many resorts and hotels have been forced to limit operations.

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