Cuba’s hotels sit empty as US pressure campaign drives tourists away

Cuba’s hotels sit empty as US pressure campaign drives tourists away

Cuba s hotels sit empty as US – Cuba’s tourism sector, once a vibrant engine of economic growth, now faces an unprecedented decline. The island’s iconic white sandy beaches and historic Spanish colonial forts remain as attractions, yet the once-thriving flow of international visitors has slowed to a trickle. This crisis has left hotels across the country eerily quiet, with the economy caught in a cycle of stagnation and hardship. The root of the problem lies in the sustained pressure from the United States, which has imposed a series of sanctions aimed at reshaping Cuba’s political and economic landscape.

According to Cuban government data, the number of tourists arriving in the first five months of 2026 dropped by 58% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching just 360,000. This stark decline has transformed popular destinations like Old Havana into near-empty landscapes. Founded in the 16th century, Old Havana was once a bustling hub of cultural activity, now standing as a testament to Cuba’s architectural heritage. Yet, its charm has been overshadowed by the absence of visitors, with local businesses struggling to stay afloat.

“There are no tourists,” said Elio, a musician from a renowned guitar duo in Old Havana. He shared his observations near a historic plaza, emphasizing how the lack of travelers has disrupted the daily rhythm of the city. Elio chose to withhold his last name, fearing potential repercussions for engaging with foreign media. “Maybe they are at home. One comes by only every half hour or hour,” he remarked, highlighting the desperation of both locals and tourists.

The economic downturn has been fueled by a combination of factors, including the Trump administration’s relentless sanctions and the disruption of critical supply chains. A military strike against Venezuela in January 2026 severed a key oil supply line, plunging the island into further chaos. This was soon followed by a US-ordered oil blockade, exacerbating the crisis. As a result, air carriers have canceled flights due to the inability to refuel planes on the island, compounding the isolation of Cuba’s tourism sector.

The pressure campaign has also targeted foreign companies operating in Cuba, particularly those with ties to the Cuban military. This move has forced international hotel chains to withdraw from the market, leaving behind a void that has not been easily filled. Despite the government’s efforts to promote tourism, the scarcity of visitors has led to a situation where hotels remain vacant, and the local economy grapples with shortages and service breakdowns.

“Venezuela has oil. Cuba doesn’t. Cuba has a nice property and they have nice shoreline,” Trump told Axios in June 2026, drawing a parallel between the two countries. He described the potential for Cuba’s tourism sector as a lever to push the government toward reforms, including military action. The administration’s goal is to pressure Cuba into opening its political system and allowing direct foreign investment, particularly in the hospitality industry. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains questionable as the island’s economy continues to suffer.

Historically, Cuba’s tourism industry was a cornerstone of its economy, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure over the past decade. The pandemic had already dealt a severe blow, and the subsequent sanctions have only deepened the crisis. Even before the Trump-era measures, Cuba’s reliance on tourism was evident, with its president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, positioning the sector as vital to the country’s future. Yet, with hotels now standing idle and the number of visitors plummeting, this vision has been put on hold.

Lucy Davies, director of UK-based Cubania Travel, noted the impact of the ongoing sanctions on the tourism market. “Who would want to travel to a country which is in such dire straits?” she questioned. “People are prepared to have some discomfort on their holiday. But it becomes kind of dark tourism to go somewhere like Cuba at the moment.” In response to the crisis, Davies has launched a grassroots initiative to provide food donations to Cubans affected by the economic downturn. This effort not only supports those in need but also offers work to her local staff, who have lost the opportunity to guide tourists.

As the situation worsens, Cuban officials have sought to adapt. In June 2026, President Díaz-Canel announced reforms allowing Cubans, both on the island and abroad, to take over management of government-run hotels. This shift aims to inject new vitality into the sector and reduce dependence on foreign investors. However, the success of this plan remains uncertain. Spanish economist Pedro Monreal, speaking to CNN, expressed doubt about the ability of the fledgling private sector to replace established hotel chains. “It is unrealistic to expect that Cubans — whether in exile or on the island — could take the place of hotel chains,” Monreal stated, underscoring the challenges ahead.

The decline in tourism has had far-reaching consequences. With fewer visitors, the local economy has contracted, and the cultural exchange that once flourished in places like Old Havana has dwindled. Many businesses, including restaurants and tour guides, have been forced to close or reduce operations. The absence of international travelers has also limited the inflow of foreign currency, further straining resources. As the situation continues to evolve, Cubans are left to navigate a landscape where economic hardship and political pressure converge.

Despite the challenges, some hope persists. Díaz-Canel’s reforms signal a willingness to embrace change, even as the Trump administration pushes for more aggressive measures. The Cuban government’s decision to allow local ownership of hotels could pave the way for a more resilient tourism industry. However, this transition will require time, investment, and a shift in both domestic and international sentiment. For now, the island remains a ghost town, its potential unfulfilled and its future uncertain.