International News: Cuba records 62% drop in tourist arrivals as industry faces growing pressure

By Zoila Palma:  Cuba’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic decline this year amid increased U.S. pressure on the island, including an energy embargo and measures targeting the country’s tourism sector, AP reports.

Official figures show that international tourism fell by 62 percent between January and July 2026 compared with the same period last year.

According to data released by Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), approximately 419,000 international visitors arrived in Cuba during the first seven months of 2026, compared with 1.1 million during the corresponding period in 2025.

The sharp decline has been reflected across the tourism sector, with hotels, hostels and private accommodations reportedly closing or operating with significantly reduced occupancy, while beaches, shops and attractions have seen fewer international visitors.

The downturn has been compounded by U.S. measures introduced under President Donald Trump, including an energy embargo imposed in January.

Between May and July, the U.S. State Department also announced sanctions affecting major players in Cuba’s tourism industry.

International hotel chains including Meliá, Iberostar and Royalton subsequently suspended contracts in Cuba, while Visa and Mastercard payment services were withdrawn. Several airlines, including World2Fly, Air France, Turkish Airlines and Iberia, also suspended flights after Cuba said aircraft could no longer refuel on the island.

Tourism has long been a key pillar of Cuba’s economy. 

The island welcomed approximately 4.3 million tourists in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel.

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