Cuba Tourism Sees Sharp Decline as Energy Crisis Disrupts Flights and Accommodation, Here’s All You Need to Know

Written By: Moulina Dhara

Moulina Dhara

An ardent writer with a Master's degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, where I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, cultural narratives, and the power of language. My academic background has shaped the way I approach content—with curiosity, attention to detail, and an understanding that every story has the potential to connect, inform, and inspire.Writing has always been more than a skill for me; it is a way of observing and making sense of the world. From journaling to exploring literature, cinema, and visual arts, I am drawn to the rawness of everyday life and the stories hidden within ordinary moments. This perspective allows me to create content that feels authentic, relatable, and emotionally resonant rather than formulaic.I enjoy crafting articles, blogs, web copy, and thought-driven content that balances creativity with clarity. My approach combines thorough research, compelling storytelling, and a reader-first mindset to produce pieces that are both engaging and meaningful. Whether the goal is to build a brand voice, communicate ideas, or foster genuine audience engagement, I strive to create content that leaves a lasting impact.I believe the strongest content doesn't just capture attention—it builds trust by speaking with honesty, purpose, and authenticity.

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February 18, 2026 17:22 GMT+5:30

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Cuba’s tourism industry, which has long been a source of foreign exchange for the country and was once thriving, is now facing an unprecedented crisis. The country is facing a serious fuel and energy shortage that is affecting its flight schedules, hotel services, and the arrival of foreign tourists, thus causing a major setback to the country’s recovery from the pandemic. The country’s tourism industry, which had been recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been faced with a new challenge that has left many tourists stranded, while others have canceled their trips.

Flights Suspended and Arrival Numbers Drop

Cuba’s aviation sector has faced one of its biggest blows in recent years due to the shortage of aviation fuel. Early in February 2026, Cuban authorities issued a warning that fuel reserves for air travel were running low. This warning led to several international airlines drastically altering their services, with some suspending flights entirely. Key international carriers, particularly those from Canada and Russia, have suspended their services to Cuba due to the inability to secure sufficient fuel supplies for their flights.

The remaining airlines that continue to operate flights to Cuba have been forced to adjust their schedules and routes, which has led to increased operational costs. Additionally, these airlines have faced logistical challenges, including the need to make stopovers at neighboring airports for fuel refueling, further complicating travel plans for tourists.

The disruptions have had a significant impact on Cuba’s international visitor numbers. The sharp decline in flight operations has resulted in a dramatic reduction in arrivals, signaling a downturn in the tourism sector. As a result, the country has seen a marked drop in the number of international visitors, with arrivals falling from 4.2 million in 2019 to just 1.8 million in 2025. Moreover, hotel occupancy rates have plummeted, with the average rate for the first half of 2025 reaching only 21.5%.

Hotel Closures Impacting Tourists

As Cuba’s fuel crisis deepens, hotel closures have become an increasing reality. With limited resources for power and fuel, international hotel chains operating on the island have been forced to reduce their operations. Several large hotel brands have temporarily shut down their properties, consolidating services into a smaller number of functional hotels.

Spanish hotel chain Meliá, for example, has closed multiple properties across Cuba, while Iberostar and Valentin Hotels have also confirmed the temporary shutdown of select resorts. The most affected areas are popular tourist destinations such as Cayo Santa María and Cayo Coco, as well as the famous resort town of Varadero. These closures have left once-bustling resorts deserted, with closed pools, empty restaurants, and a limited staff presence. Only a few operational hotels remain in service, leaving the island’s tourism infrastructure under pressure.

This situation has severely impacted tourists already in Cuba, with some unable to access their booked accommodations due to the closures. The lack of available services has resulted in frustration among international visitors, and many have faced delays in their return flights as flight cancellations and schedule changes persist. As a result, travelers looking for a relaxing holiday destination may be deterred from choosing Cuba until the crisis is resolved.

Energy Crisis Expands Beyond Tourism

The tourism crisis is merely a reflection of a much broader energy emergency gripping Cuba. The country has been experiencing severe energy shortages that have affected multiple sectors beyond tourism, including healthcare, transportation, and essential supply chains. The oil supply decline, combined with limited access to international imports, has led to prolonged power outages, making it nearly impossible for Cuba to maintain normal economic activity.

Public transportation has been halted in many areas, and essential services such as hospitals are struggling to operate without reliable electricity. The energy crisis has also exacerbated supply chain disruptions, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to acquire necessary goods and materials. These widespread issues have contributed to the economic strain that the tourism sector is facing, as visitors are discouraged by the lack of essential services and the general instability.

International Travel Advisories and Reduced Interest

As the situation worsens, governments around the world have issued travel advisories warning tourists of the potential risks involved in visiting Cuba. Many countries are urging travelers to reconsider trips to Cuba unless absolutely necessary, due to the ongoing disruptions in transport, healthcare, and public services. The advisories highlight the uncertainty surrounding flight schedules, the availability of accommodation, and the prevalence of blackouts, all of which make Cuba a less appealing destination for potential tourists.

The broader international response is adding to Cuba’s struggle, as travel and tourism are key industries that rely on stability and accessibility. The country’s inability to provide basic services to travelers has left many potential visitors hesitant to plan their vacations there. Until the energy crisis is resolved and Cuba’s infrastructure can return to normal, it’s likely that the island will see continued declines in tourism.

The Geopolitical and Economic Impact

Cuba’s tourism woes underscore the importance of geopolitical and economic stability for the island nation. As the country faces this energy shortage, international operators and investors are now more aware than ever of how the viability of the tourism sector is tightly linked to Cuba’s broader energy and economic policies. The United States’ sanctions, which limit Cuba’s access to global trade and financing, further complicate the island’s ability to resolve its crisis.

The ongoing geopolitical challenges and limited international support have placed Cuba in a precarious position. While some countries have expressed concern and solidarity, many are reluctant to offer assistance due to the potential ramifications of defying U.S. sanctions. This leaves Cuba with few options to address its energy crisis and stabilize its tourism sector in the near future.

The Road Ahead for Cuba’s Tourism Industry

The future of Cuba’s tourism industry remains uncertain. The country must address its energy shortages and improve the stability of its transportation and service sectors to restore confidence in the tourism market. Without significant external support and substantial investments in energy infrastructure, Cuba risks a prolonged decline in its tourism sector, which has long been a pillar of its economy.