From January to August, Cuba saw 1.67 million international visitors.
According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), this is a two-thirds increase compared to last year.
However, the nation is unlikely to meet its 2023 target of 3.5 million tourists.
The high season included, Cuba hasn’t even reached half of its yearly goal. Canada sent the most tourists, numbering 675,996.
The U.S. followed with 111,100 visitors, and Russia contributed 106,529.
Spain, Germany, and France added smaller numbers, but all saw annual increases between 113% and 277%.
Additionally, 241,115 travelers came from the Cuban expat community. Domestic flights added another 498,389 to the total traveler count.
Overall, 2.16 million people traveled to or within Cuba during these months.
ONEI’s data shows a strong start to the year, especially in January.
Nearly 250,000 international tourists arrived that month, far surpassing the prior year’s 100,000.
August saw over 177,000 international visitors, a slight improvement over the previous year’s 120,000.
Tourism plays a vital role in Cuba’s economy, which is currently in crisis. Essential goods are scarce, and inflation is high.
According to experts, tourism is the second-largest contributor to Cuba’s GDP and the third-largest foreign currency source.
Before the pandemic, Cuba welcomed between 4 and 5 million tourists each year. Authorities aim for 3.5 million tourists in 2023, acknowledging the target is ambitious.
In contrast, similar destinations like Punta Cana and Cancún are breaking post-pandemic tourist records.
Background
To put it in context, the Cuban government’s lofty 2023 tourism goal reflects the urgency to boost an economy in distress.
Tourism revenue can offer some relief, helping stabilize the basic goods market.
Furthermore, more tourists can potentially improve the job market, providing employment in a range of service sectors.
Interestingly, the main countries contributing tourists are a blend of close neighbors and distant nations.
The U.S., despite political tensions, ranks second in sending tourists.
This shows tourism can transcend political differences, offering a glimmer of hope for future U.S.-Cuba relations.