Cuba Begins Closing Hotels and Relocating Tourists Amidst Fuel Shortages
Cuba has begun closing hotels and relocating tourists due to fuel shortages. The measure affects facilities in Varadero and the northern keys, while tourism continues its worst decline in over two decades.
TL;DR
- Cuba is closing hotels and relocating international tourists due to a lack of fuel.
- The affected areas include tourist facilities in Varadero and the northern keys.
- This action is part of a broader plan to reduce energy consumption in the tourism sector.
- Cuba's tourism sector experienced its worst decline in over two decades in 2025, with 1.8 million international visitors.
- Visitor numbers have fallen significantly since a record of 4.7 million in 2018.
- The fuel crisis is attributed to frequent breakdowns of thermoelectric plants, a lack of foreign currency for imports, and U.S. pressure, including potential tariffs on oil suppliers.
- The government is implementing emergency measures, including fuel rationing and a return to concepts from the 'Special Period' of the 1990s.