Cuba without tourism amid energy crisis: here 'everything is stopped'
Cuba is experiencing a sharp decline in tourism amid its energy crisis, with a 30% drop in visitors and practically empty streets during Holy Week.
TL;DR
- Tourism in Cuba has plummeted by 30% in the first two months of the year compared to 2025.
- The island is suffering a severe energy crisis due to breakdowns in thermoelectric plants and a lack of foreign currency for fuel imports.
- U.S. oil blockade has worsened the energy crisis since January.
- Frequent blackouts, fuel shortages, and dark, traffic-less streets are common.
- In the first two months of the year, Cuba received 262,496 international visitors, 112,642 fewer than the same period last year.
- The tourism sector, essential for Cuba's economy, was already in crisis before the energy situation worsened.
- In 2025, the country received 1,810,663 international visitors, the worst figures since 2002 (excluding pandemic years).
- Visitor numbers from major markets like Canada and Russia have declined significantly.
- The number of travelers from the Cuban diaspora and the U.S. also dropped sharply.
- Some hotels have been closed due to fuel shortages, particularly in Varadero and the northern keys.
- All Cuban international airports have extended a notice of fuel shortage for aircraft until April 10.
- Cuba's tourism figures are far from the record highs of 2018 and 2019, which were linked to the U.S.-Cuba 'thaw'.
- Cuba's tourism situation contrasts with destinations like Punta Cana and Cancun, which are seeing record visitor numbers.