Cuba’s hotels sit empty as US pressure campaign drives tourists away
Cuba’s Hotels Sit Empty Amid US Sanctions Pushing Tourists Away
Cuba s hotels sit empty as US - Cuba’s hotels sit empty as the US-led economic pressure campaign continues to drive away international tourists, leaving the island’s once-thriving hospitality sector in a state of disarray. For years, tourism was a vital pillar of the Cuban economy, accounting for a significant portion of government revenue and providing employment to thousands. However, recent sanctions have disrupted this flow, resulting in a sharp decline in visitors. The situation is particularly dire for hotels, which now face prolonged periods of inactivity, with some remaining unoccupied for weeks at a time.
The Decline in Tourist Numbers
"There are no tourists," said Elio, a musician in Old Havana. "Maybe they are at home. One comes by only every half hour or hour." He chose to withhold his last name due to fears of repercussions from speaking with foreign media.
Cuban government data reveals that the number of tourists dropped to 360,000 in the first five months of 2026, a staggering 58% decrease from the same period in 2025. This decline has been compounded by the lingering effects of the pandemic, which already reduced visitor numbers by 60% in 2020. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic have seen a surge in visitors, with numbers exceeding ten times those of Cuba. This stark contrast highlights how the US economic measures have created a divide in the region’s tourism industry, favoring countries with more lenient travel policies.
US Sanctions and Their Ripple Effect
The Trump administration’s pressure campaign, which included a military strike on Venezuela, a key supplier of oil to Cuba, has had a devastating impact on the island’s resources. This attack, coupled with an oil blockade, has led to fuel shortages, forcing airlines to cancel flights and stranding travelers. The sanctions also targeted foreign companies with ties to the Cuban military, which manages a large portion of the tourism infrastructure. As a result, international hotel chains have withdrawn from the market, leaving behind a patchwork of state-owned accommodations and smaller, struggling establishments.
Cuba’s tourism hotspots, such as the historic Old Havana district, have become ghost towns. The government, which had invested heavily in expanding the sector over the past decade, now faces an unprecedented challenge. President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced in June that Cubans, both domestically and abroad, could take over managing hotels as part of broader economic reforms. This initiative aims to revive the sector but has yet to show significant results, with Cuba’s hotels still sitting empty despite efforts to attract local and international investment.
Analysts warn that the current crisis could have long-term consequences for the island’s economy. "Cuba’s hotels sit empty, but the problem extends beyond the hospitality industry," said economist Pedro Monreal. "The lack of tourists has disrupted supply chains, reduced foreign currency inflows, and strained public services. Without a sustained recovery, the government may face deeper financial difficulties." The situation has also affected local businesses, with restaurants and tour operators reporting a 70% drop in revenue. For many, the dream of a thriving tourism economy seems increasingly distant.
Reforms and the Road Ahead
Lucy Davies, director of UK-based Cubania Travel, described the situation as dire. "Who would want to travel to a country in such straits? People are willing to endure some discomfort, but it becomes dark tourism to visit Cuba now," she said. In response to the crisis, Davies has shifted her focus to organizing food donations for locals affected by the economic downturn, using her staff to guide these efforts. "We’re not going to help everyone," she admitted, "but this is what we can do."
Cuba’s government has pledged to address the issue by encouraging private investment and streamlining operations. However, the legal framework remains rigid, with hotels still under state control. This has raised questions about the feasibility of the reforms. "Cuba’s hotels sit empty, and the problem is that the current system does not incentivize innovation or efficiency," said Monreal. "Unless the government allows more flexibility, the sector may continue to stagnate." As the economic situation worsens, the future of Cuba’s hotels—and its tourism industry—remains uncertain, with the hope that new policies will finally bring visitors back to the island’s shores.