In brief
Cuba’s international tourist arrivals collapsed 65.1% in the first nine months of 2026, falling to 477,707 visitors. The decline, driven by U.S. sanctions, halted air routes and hotel chain withdrawals, deepening an ongoing tourism crisis. Cuban authorities have approved a package of 176 reforms to attract investors and revitalize the sector.
Cuba recorded a 65.1% drop in international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, according to Xinhua. Arrivals fell to 477,707 from 2025, a loss of 890,140 tourists.
Xinhua attributes the decline to tightened U.S. sanctions, the suspension of air routes, and the withdrawal of major hotel chains such as Melia, Iberostar and Barcelo.
The largest source of visitors, Canada, saw a loss of 430,460 tourists. Arrivals from Russia fell 67,205, visits by Cubans living abroad dropped 60,081, and U.S. visitors declined by 42,984.
U.S. restrictions on oil supplies, threats of tariffs on fuel‑supplying countries and expanded sanctions introduced in May have worsened the crisis, which is marked by halted flights, closed hotels and the exit of international firms.
In response, Cuba’s National Assembly approved 176 economic and social reforms in June, aiming to liberalize the economy and attract new investors, especially in tourism.
