The tourism crisis in Cuba temporarily displaces 22,000 public sector workers

The tourism crisis in Cuba affects some 22,000 public sector jobs due to the lack of fuel and the low influx of visitors. /(EFE/ Ernesto Mastrascusa) The tourism crisis in Cuba is already affecting some 22,000 public sector jobs in the industry, in a scenario marked by the lack of fuel, energy problems, and a drop in visitor arrivals that has persisted since the covid-19 pandemic. Cuba's Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García, stated that at the end of 2025 the sector had about 103,000 workers, although currently around 83,000 remain at its facilities. The figures were presented during an appearance on the state program Mesa Redonda and reported by the EFE agency. Part of the workforce that stopped working in hotels, agencies, and other establishments linked to foreign visitors retains its contractual relationship with the sector. However, those people were temporarily assigned to hospitals, industries, and other activities, according to García. Cuban labor law includes the figure of the "interrupted worker" when an activity is temporarily halted. This mechanism prioritizes reassignment over dismissal, although the transfer to other areas has direct consequences on the income of those who depended on tips, payments linked to tourism services, and other informal earnings. The Cuban economist Ricardo Torres had estimated in June, in statements to EFE, that between 20,000 and 30,000 workers could be affected by the collapse of the industry. The specialist warned at the time that keeping an employment contract did not prevent income loss for part of the workforce. Power outages and the lack of fuel limit passenger transportation and the operation of accommodations on the island. / (EFE/ Ernesto Mastrascusa) The sector went from employing up to 150,000 people before the pandemic. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Cuban tourism employed between 140,000 and 150,000 workers. The pandemic reduced international traveler traffic and hit an activity that ranks among the island's main sources of foreign currency, along with remittances and the export of professional services. The reopening of borders did not allow for a recovery to previous levels. The minister himself acknowledged that the reduction in employment is not due only to the difficulties of recent months, but to a gradual deterioration of tourism marketing since the health emergency. The recovery was also limited by the internal economic crisis. Cuba has been going through a period of shortages of food, medicine, and fuel for years, accompanied by inflation, power outages, and a partial dollarization of the economy. This situation affects hotel operations, land transportation, the availability of supplies, and the provision of services for visitors. The energy supply problems took on greater weight during 2026. The lack of fuel complicated the arrival and operation of international flights, while prolonged blackouts affected the offering of accommodations and recreational activities. The magnitude of the deterioration is reflected in the official visitor figures. Cuba received 477,707 international tourists between January and September, a decline of 65.1% compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information cited by EFE. A beach with light-colored sand at a Cuban tourist destination looks completely deserted, reflecting the impact on the island's tourism industry. (Video capture) The decline is explained by a combination of factors. To the weakness accumulated since the pandemic was added pressure from the United States since January, with restrictions that, according to the Cuban regime, worsened access to fuel and raised operating costs. The reduction of flights and the departure of foreign hotel chains due to the risk of secondary sanctions also reduced the sector's capacity. Tourism had been one of the areas chosen by the State to capture foreign currency. However, the drop in visitors is occurring while the construction and renovation of hotel facilities continues, a bet that contrasts with the low occupancy and the temporary closure of establishments in several parts of the country. In June, the Havana government included tourism measures in a package of 176 economic reforms. The provisions allow for greater private participation in hotel management, vehicle rentals, and passenger transportation services. The reforms also provide for private actors to operate as travel agents and guides. The scope of these measures will depend on the availability of fuel, air connectivity, and the country's ability to recover source markets in a context of economic contraction.