Cuba faces a 20,5% drop in tourist arrivals 2025 Despite new air routes from Russia. More details to follow. The island is going through a deep tourism crisis, according to official data published on visitor arrivals during the first nine months of the year. 2025.
Between January and September, the country received 20,5% fewer tourists compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the severity of the decline experienced by one of the most important sectors for the national economy.
Despite the Cuban government's efforts to show signs of recoverycupThe figures reveal a discouraging picture.
In recent hours, official media highlighted the inauguration of the new St. Petersburg–Varadero air route, presented as a “strategic opportunity to boost the Russian market.” However, current results contradict this optimism.
Russia, which is among the top four sources of tourists to Cuba, has experienced the biggest drop in visitors so far this year.
Between January and September of 2025The arrival of Russian travelers fell by 37,2%, marking the steepest decline among source markets, according to the ONEI.
This collapse worsens the situation of a sector that has not managed to recover.cupneither to reach pre-pandemic levels nor to consolidate new sources of growth.
The decline in Russian tourism is also impacting iconic destinations such as Varadero, the country's main sun and beach resort, where much of the investment and promotional strategies are concentrated.
Despite the opening of new air connections, the lack of incentives, the scarcity of services and the high costs continue to limit the competitiveness of the Cuban destination compared to other Caribbean destinations.
With the high season about to begin, the challenge for the Cuban government will be to reverse the negative trend and attract new tourist flows in an increasingly competitive and demanding global context.