Cuba's Charm Under Threat: Should Travellers Be Concerned?
A Paradise in Peril?
The federal government's recent travel advisory for Cuba has sparked concern among Canadians planning their winter escapes. With worsening shortages of essentials like fuel and food, the popular Caribbean destination is facing an unpredictable situation that could impact even its renowned resorts.
Shortages and Power Outages: A Recipe for Chaos?
The government's warning highlights the daily power cuts and unexpected outages, lasting over 24 hours, that Cuba is experiencing. While large resorts and hotels have generators, fuel shortages may disrupt these backup systems, affecting essential services and activities. Imagine a resort without running water or hot meals!
Beyond the Resorts: A Country in Crisis
Cuba is facing severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, water, medicine, and even currency. Fuel shortages make island travel a challenge, with public transportation often disrupted. The warning paints a picture of long lines at gas stations and altercations, a far cry from the peaceful vacation most travellers seek.
Havana's Darkness: A Glimpse into Cuba's Struggles
In December 2025, Havana, Cuba's capital, experienced a partial collapse of its electrical grid, leaving the city in darkness. This event is a stark reminder of the country's ongoing energy crisis, with daily blackouts lasting over 20 hours. It's a situation that's complicated and bad, as one resident put it.
Tourism's Impact: Prioritizing Visitors Over Locals?
Tamanisha John, an assistant professor at York University, studies Caribbean development and offers an insightful perspective. While acknowledging the energy crisis, she emphasizes that it's locals who bear the brunt, not tourists. This raises questions about the priorities of states during crises and the potential impact on Cuba's tourism-dependent economy.
'Canada's Hawaii': A Popular Destination for a Reason
Cuba's tourism industry has historically generated up to $3 billion US annually, with Canadians being the most frequent visitors. The warm weather, stunning beaches, and shorter, more affordable flights compared to other Caribbean destinations have made Cuba a top choice for Canadian travellers. It's a destination that feels like home, with a tropical twist.
Changing Dynamics: A Drop in Canadian Visitors
Recent travel data shows a concerning trend. There was a 12% drop in Canadian visitors to Cuba in December 2025 compared to the previous year. This follows a 14% drop in November. Overall, Cuba saw a 17% drop in visitors in December, with a significant decrease in international travellers. These numbers raise questions about the future of Cuba's tourism industry and its reliance on Canadian tourists.
A Mixed Bag of Reviews: Social Media's Take
Online reviews from travellers offer a mixed bag. While some fans on social media describe Cuba as safe, beautiful, and peaceful, others caution against visiting. A recent comment on a Facebook page dedicated to Cuba vacations paints a bleak picture, with a traveller describing their trip as the "worst ever" due to fuel shortages impacting their diving plans.
Political Tensions and Sovereignty Concerns
John's concerns extend beyond the energy crisis. She highlights the direct threats from the U.S. to Cuba in the wake of its attack on Venezuela. The Trump administration's warnings about toppling Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and their impact on Cuba raise questions about Canada's role and its support for U.S. interventions in the region. This advisory, she suggests, could be a sign of impending action that violates Cuba's sovereignty.
As the situation in Cuba unfolds, travellers are left with questions. Should they reconsider their plans? What does this mean for the future of Cuba's tourism industry? And how will this impact the lives of locals and the country's economy? These are questions that travellers, and the world, may be watching closely.
