Tourism in Cuba. Official data indicate that once again the goal of the arrival of tourists to Cuba will remain far from reality. Investments in hotels continue, but the flow of arrivals decreases.
Cuba received 1,719,145 international travelers during the first nine months of 2024, a drop of 5.2% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) published this Tuesday.
This decline in visitor arrivals distances the country from its official goal of attracting 2.7 million tourists in 2024, a figure already adjusted downward from the initial objective of 3.2 million.
In September, Cuba received 111,067 international visitors, a number similar to that registered in the same month of 2022, although it continues to be lower than the rate necessary to meet the Government’s projections.
The first source of tourists continues to be Canada, with 695,567 visitors, followed by Russia (141,615), the United States (110,538), Spain (50,498), Mexico (48,112) and Germany (47,324).
Tourism in Cuba, far from the goal in 2024
It should be noted that of these six main source markets, only two showed growth in tourist arrivals.
Russia saw a 12% increase, while Mexico increased 5%. In contrast, the other four markets suffered declines, ranging from 2% in Canada to 17% in Spain.
A worrying fact is the 16.9% decrease in visits by Cubans living abroad, a category that until now had shown an upward trend during the year. In general, monthly arrival figures started at levels comparable to 2023, but have been losing strength as the months have passed.
The economic crisis that the country is going through and the US sanctions continue to affect the tourism sector, one of the pillars of the Cuban economy. This situation has especially impacted the hospitality industry, further complicating the recovery of tourism and making it unlikely to achieve the goals planned for 2024.
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**Interview with Alex Rodriguez, Travel Consultant and Cuba Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Alex. Recently, there have been reports indicating a decline in tourism to Cuba, with 1.7 million international travelers arriving in the first nine months of 2024—a 5.2% drop compared to last year. What factors do you believe are contributing to this decline?
**Alex Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. There are several factors at play. Firstly, the lingering effects of the pandemic have transformed travel habits. Many people are still hesitant to travel internationally or are prioritizing closer destinations. Additionally, political and economic issues within Cuba continue to deter potential visitors. The island’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demands of tourism, which has always been a concern.
**Editor:** The article also mentions ongoing investments in hotels, despite the decrease in tourist arrivals. How do you view this situation? Is there an imbalance between supply and demand?
**Alex Rodriguez:** Absolutely. While investments in hotels and facilities are essential for future growth, they can lead to an oversaturation of the market if tourist numbers continue to dwindle. Without a solid influx of travelers, these investments may not yield the expected returns, creating a potentially risky situation for investors. The government and tourism stakeholders need to strategize to attract more visitors effectively.
**Editor:** What do you think the Cuban government could do to improve the situation and attract more tourists?
**Alex Rodriguez:** The government could focus on enhancing the overall travel experience by addressing infrastructure issues, promoting sustainable tourism, and diversifying the attractions available to visitors. Additionally, improving international relations could lead to more open travel channels and visa facilitation, which would help in reviving interest in Cuba. Targeted marketing campaigns emphasizing Cuba’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty could also resonate with potential travelers.
**Editor:** do you think there’s still hope for Cuba’s tourism sector to recover and thrive?
**Alex Rodriguez:** I believe there is always hope, but it requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and international partners. With the right adjustments and strategies, Cuba can not only recover but potentially reinvent itself as a desirable travel destination. It may take time, but the unique allure of Cuba remains, and I have faith that it can bounce back.