Cuba 2025 Tourism Crisis: Hotels Removed from Platforms

Tourism in Cuba is going through an unprecedented storm. In 2025, tour package platforms such as Sunwing removed hundreds of Cuban hotels from their offerings. Why the change of heart? A combination of power outages, shortages and a loss of traveler confidence. Here's what you need to know.

A tourism crisis in figures

By 2025, Cuba will see a 30% drop in tourism, with only 2.6 million visitors expected, a far cry from pre-pandemic levels. Hotels, with an occupancy rate of 23%, are struggling to survive. According to experts, recovery will not come before 2029, or even 2030.

Reasons for the hotels' withdrawal

Platforms point to inadequate conditions:

• Power outages: Blackouts, frequent since October 2024, disrupt air conditioning and hot water, even in major hotels.

• Shortages: Fuel, water and food are in short supply, making the tourist experience difficult.

• Poor service: Travelers report near-deserted hotels, unfulfilled reservations and exorbitant prices for basic commodities.

  
  

Add to this a loss of air connectivity. Airlines such as Condor and Edelweiss have cancelled flights to Cuba in 2025, limiting tourist access.

The impact on Cuba

Tourism, a key economic driver, is in freefall. Hotels, especially those dependent on Canadians, are suffering. Competition from other Caribbean destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, is gaining ground. Rafael Durand, CEO of PriceTravel, points out, "Cuba needs to regain travelers' trust, but connectivity and infrastructure are problematic."

Tips for travelers

If you're planning a trip to Cuba:

• Check local conditions with reliable sources, such as Travel Reports Canada.

• Bring essential items (medicines, hygiene products).

• Avoid unconfirmed online bookings and give preference to reputable operators.

  
  

Towards recovery?

The Cuban government is banking on international promotion and Russian tourists, but structural challenges persist. Without massive investment in infrastructure, Cuba risks losing further ground to its Caribbean neighbors.

Conclusion

The deletion of Cuban hotels by the platforms is a wake-up call. For travelers, it's a call for caution. For Cuba, it's a major challenge: to restore its image as a dream destination. In the meantime, the road to recovery promises to be long and full of pitfalls.

Sources: CubaenMiami.com,CiberCuba, Travel Tips