Russia’s growing influence in the Cuban tourism sector

Throughout the early months of 2023, Havana and Moscow inked several tourism-related agreements.

These included exclusive hotel deals on the island for Russian tourists and the introduction of MIR cards, specifically for these visitors’ transactions in Cuba.

During Russian Vice Prime Minister Dmitri Chernishenko’s visit, Havana gave the nod to Russian banks for establishing branches aimed at financing business ventures in the Caribbean nation.

Furthermore, discussions about mutual projects with investments based on rubles took place.

July saw Russia resume direct flights to Cuba with a new route, bypassing European airspace due to EU restrictions stemming from Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.

The Rossiya Airline, an Aeroflot subsidiary, operated the route using a Boeing 777-300.

In 2021, Varadero International Airport had flights from Moscow, operated by airlines including Aeroflot, Azur Air, and Nordwind, with the latter also flying to the Jardines del Rey airport, around 580 km from Havana.

That year, of the 325,000 international visitors Cuba received, 140,000 were Russians.

This number faced challenges in 2022 due to Western sanctions after military operations in Kyiv. Yet, 54,383 Russian tourists still made their way to Cuba.

Dr. José Luis Perelló Cabrera states that Cuba’s tourism industry faces challenges.

Although the first seven months of 2023 saw 1,489,183 international visitors, with a notable 4.7% increase in Russian tourists compared to 2019, reaching the year-end goal of 3.5 million visitors seems challenging.

Current data suggests an estimated 2.4 million total international travelers by the end of the year, with Russia and Canada showing strong growth.

Historian Oscar Julián Villar Barroso believes revitalizing the Russian market is pivotal for Cuba’s economic recovery.

However, external factors like Moscow’s operation in Ukraine and associated mobility restrictions for Russians have influenced arrivals.

Yuri Aguiar Luna, a communication policy expert, emphasized the economic potential of Russian tourists, noting their higher spending power and preference for sun-and-beach destinations, one of Cuba’s main attractions.

Both nations seek to foster stronger tourism ties, building upon their historical friendship.