According to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the total flow of travelers decreased by half during the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year.
Official figures reveal that the Caribbean nation received just over 794,000 travelers until July, representing an absolute contraction of almost 788,000 people. Within this group, the arrival of international visitors suffered a severe impact, plummeting by 62.8 percent, accounting for more than 708,000 fewer arrivals than in 2025.
The Canadian market, historically the main source of tourists to the island, registered the most pronounced contraction with a reduction of more than 350,000 visitors.
#Cuba
Sanciones de #EEUU impactan el turismo
La contracción del sector es consecuencia directa del cerco impuesto por #Washington, que afecta el suministro de combustibles, infraestructura logística y el desempeño de la actividad#TumbaElBloqueo
https://t.co/0drTnGiQDO pic.twitter.com/B3OYgRaOJk
— JuventudRebelde (@JuventudRebelde) September 3, 2026
Likewise, significant decreases were reported in the arrival of travelers from the Russian Federation, the Cuban community abroad, and citizens from US soil.
Authorities in the sector point out that current travel restrictions and financial persecution prevent billions of dollars from entering the national economy.
Institutional representatives estimate that, without the limitations imposed by Washington, Cuba could attract between one and two million additional North American visitors each year.
The operational landscape became more complex after the island’s inclusion in unilateral lists of terrorism sponsorships and the application of extraterritorial laws. These unilateral measures seek to hinder foreign investment in hotel infrastructure and curb the capture of foreign currency destined to sustain social welfare programs.
Facing external pressures, the Cuban administration maintains strategies focused on diversifying source markets and promoting cultural and natural attractions.
However, economic aggressions continue to limit the full development of a strategic activity for financing the health, education, and food of the people.
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