Resilience in the Face of Sanctions. Cuba devotes itself to be more sustainable, sovereign and resilient

Despite intensified economic pressures from the United States, Cuba remains firmly open for global tourism, with its attractions, hospitality infrastructure, and logistics fully operational.

Executive orders signed by the U.S. President in January and May 2026, including Executive Order #14404 directly targeting the Cuban tourism sector, aim to restrict one of the country’s economic pillars by creating a lack of Jet A-1 aviation fuel at national airports and pressuring foreign entities operating on the island. Consequently, several foreign companies have recently felt compelled to cancel their contracts in Cuba.

“While the path with these foreign partners have diverged now, we are deeply grateful for the years we spent building side by side and their impact remains a cornerstone of our success” said Gihana Galindo, the Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto.

It is important to note that many affected properties were already temporarily closed due to shifting market demands.

Seamless Transition to National Management

Cuba’s tourism operations will proceed without interruption. Properties transitioning out of foreign contracts will maintain normal operations under the experienced management of national hotel chains, including: Cubanacán, Gran Caribe and Gaviota.

These national brands guarantee the continuity of all tourist operations, fully honoring confirmed reservations and maintaining established terms for travelers and business partners.

Unchanged Local Expertise and Infrastructure

Foreign companies have contributed to Cuba’s tourism sector for over 30 years, serving as an excellent training ground for local professionals. Because Cuban executives and staff have long managed operations alongside foreign directors, the entire local workforce, logistics framework, and service standards remain firmly in place.

Important Payment Updates for Travelers

As a direct result of U.S. Executive Order #14404, Visa and Mastercard will cease processing financial transactions within Cuba starting June 6, 2026.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, visitors are advised of the following:

• Primary Payment Method: Cash is currently the most convenient and widely accepted medium.
• Accepted Currencies: Canadian Dollars (CAD), US Dollars (USD), and Euros (EUR).

Those who have visited Cuba in the past know that the use of credit cards was mainly limited to hotels, there has never been a widespread use of credit cards outside of the hotels and it always has been mostly a cash destination.

New Import Power and Solar Innovation by the Private Sector

By strategically investing in green energy innovation and direct import power, Cuba’s private sector is rapidly expanding its footprint within the tourism industry. Moving past traditional supply constraints, these independent entrepreneurs are modernizing the destination infrastructure while giving travelers direct, unvarnished access to local culture and enriching every itinerary with immersive experiences and genuine Cuban hospitality.

“Cuba’s greatest assets—our pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and the unmatched warmth of our people—remain entirely unaffected by external pressures,” said Galindo, “For over three decades, our local teams have worked alongside international partners to build a world-class service infrastructure. Today, that local expertise is fully equipped to seamlessly manage our properties, protect every traveler’s reservation, and deliver the exceptional hospitality that defines our destination”.

Cuba Tourist Board represents the Ministry of Tourism in Canada. It provides general travel information to Canadians who would like to visit the island.

For additional information please contact Cuba Tourist Board

Email: info@gocuba.ca