Cuba tourism collapses as US pressure campaign cuts foreign arrivals 58%
Cuba's tourism sector has fallen 58% year-on-year in foreign arrivals, Cuban officials told BBC Latin America, blaming US sanctions and an effective oil blockade. The collapse hits the country's most dollar-dependent industry as Havana scrambles for alternative foreign currency inflows. The slump deepens an already severe economic crisis on the island.
Cuban officials told BBC Latin America that foreign arrivals to the island fell 58% year-on-year, marking one of the sharpest collapses of any major tourism market this decade. Authorities blamed tightened US sanctions and an effective oil blockade, which they say have squeezed flights, hotel supply chains and consumer-facing services.
Tourism is one of Cuba's most dollar-dependent industries, so the contraction is being felt immediately in food imports, fuel supply and exchange-rate stability. Havana is reported to be exploring new joint ventures with foreign investors to offset the revenue gap, while a deepening cash crunch is reaching the banking sector.
Analysts cited by BBC Latin America expect limited near-term improvement. Whether the Trump administration eases its pressure campaign, whether cruise lines restore Havana stops, and whether European visitors return in volume will define the trajectory through the rest of 2026.
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