The Communist Caribbean island of Cuba is experiencing declines in energy, tourism, and the peso, along with many other difficulties.
To add insult to injury, an earthquake hit Cuba. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/magniitude-55-earthquake-s…
In Cuba, the downturn has been especially pronounced. Official figures indicate a drop of nearly -18.7 % in arrivals in 2025, reflecting broader economic challenges on the island and the lingering impact of U.S. sanctions, which have discouraged travel from North America and limited direct air service.
Other popular destinations have suffered more modest declines. Saint Lucia saw roughly -3.2% fewer visitors, while Jamaica, typically one of the region’s strongest performers, posted a -2.0% decline in arrivals. The Bahamas also reported a dip of about -3.4 %, and Grenada recorded roughly 5.9% fewer tourists between January and November 2025.
Industry analysts point to a confluence of factors: rising travel costs, inflationary pressure on airline tickets and hotel rates, and greater competition from other global destinations offering comparable beach and resort experiences at lower prices. Higher visa requirements and limited direct flight options have further complicated travel planning for some Caribbean markets.
Despite these declines, the regional tourism picture is mixed rather than dire. Many Caribbean islands continue to draw strong interest, and overall visitor numbers across the region have stayed resilient, buoyed by robust demand from markets such as the United States and Canada.
