Cuba's once-thriving tourism industry has been ravaged by the relentless pressure from the US, with visitor numbers plummeting by a staggering 58% in the first five months of this year. The stark reality is underscored by official figures released by Cuba's national statistics agency, Onei, which show that fewer than 360,000 people visited the island between January and May 2026 – a far cry from over 855,000 in the same period last year.
The US has deliberately targeted the tourism sector as part of its long-running campaign to strangle the Cuban government, controlled by the Communist Party. Several key players have already pulled out, including Air Canada, which cited 'ongoing political and economic uncertainty' for its decision to cease operations. This move follows similar announcements from foreign airlines and hotel operators, further eroding visitor numbers.
Canada remains Cuba's largest source of foreign tourists this year, with many visitors opting to holiday in the island nation despite the US pressure campaign. However, even some Spanish hotel chains have been forced to halt their operations – Meliá and Iberostar stopped managing hotels on June 5th as part of a deadline set by the US government for companies to cease doing business with Cuban conglomerate Gaesa.
The US sanctions regime has created a perfect storm, exacerbating Cuba's existing shortages of fuel, medicines, and food. The country has seen widespread protests in recent months, with many calling on the government to address these pressing issues. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Gaesa of operating as a 'state within a state', hoarding profits for an elite while stifling dissent.