Cuba begins closing hotels and relocating tourists amid fuel shortage
The Government of Cuba has begun closing some hotels on the island and relocating tourists to other facilities as part of the package of measures adopted in response to the US oil siege, sources in the sector confirmed to EFE this Saturday. Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga assured on state television on Friday that "a plan has been designed in tourism to reduce energy consumption, compact tourist facilities, and take advantage of the high season currently underway in our country."
TL;DR
- Cuba is closing some hotels and relocating tourists due to US oil pressure and an energy crisis.
- The government aims to reduce energy consumption by compacting tourist facilities.
- This measure affects hotels primarily in Varadero and northern keys.
- Cuba's tourism sector confirmed its crisis in 2025 with 1.8 million international travelers, the lowest since 2002.
- Tourism is crucial for Cuba's economic recovery, contributing to GDP and foreign exchange.
- The country is experiencing a severe energy crisis due to issues with thermoelectric plants and lack of fuel import funds.
- US actions, including sanctions and an executive order threatening tariffs on oil suppliers, have exacerbated the situation.
- The government's emergency plan includes fuel rationing, prioritizing remote work, and hybrid classes.
- These measures reference Fidel Castro's "zero option" plan from the 1990s during the Special Period.