Spanish market increases tourist arrivals to Cuba

Spain remains the leading source of tourists to Cuba from Western Europe and seventh in the overall ranking of foreign visitor arrivals, reported Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García Granda at the annual meeting of representatives from hotel chains, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, and other partners from the Iberian country.

From January to April 2026, there is a programmed 4.7% increase in airline seats from Spain, and Cuba has seen a 3.1% increase in tourists in the first few days of the year.

The minister also highlighted the leading role of Spanish hotel chains in Cuban tourism, as they manage 48% of the hotel infrastructure in the archipelago.

García Granda also described the 250,000 Cubans residing in Europe, 120,000 of whom live in Spain, as a “segment of opportunity.”

“We want to encourage them to continue visiting Cuba,” he emphasized, despite our enemy’s attempts to prevent it.

Overall, Europe accounted for 23% of visitors to Cuba in 2025, “a very significant region for Cuban tourism, although we are still far from recovering the levels of 2018 and 2019,” he specified.

The minister expressed confidence in the resilience and adaptability of the tourism sector on the island, which faces very different challenges to other Caribbean destinations due to the impact of the US blockade.

Nevertheless, he highlighted that authorities are working tirelessly and incorporating new products and destinations such as the Ramón de Antilla resort area, Cayo Cruz, and Cayo Paredón Grande.

He also reported that tourism infrastructure has been expanded in Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and Holguín, and that smart destination projects are advancing in Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa María, and Varadero.

The minister also referred to the partnerships with the private sector, which has joined as a provider and creator of options that enrich tourism offers.

He emphasized the commitment to promoting integration and cooperation among the countries of the Caribbean region on issues of multi-destination tourism, connectivity, and professional development.

García Granda reiterated the strategic vision with which Cuba seeks to develop this sector, inspired by the thinking of the historical leader of the revolution, Fidel Castro: tourism focused on peace, health, safety, and wholesome recreation.

He expressed the condolences of the delegation, the Cuban people and government for the tragic accidents that claimed the lives of dozens of people in Spain in recent days. He also thanked the Spanish hotel groups, tour operators, travel agents, logistics companies, and businesspeople who have contributed to the development of Cuban tourism, “never losing hope for better times.”

The minister concluded by inviting everyone to participate in the upcoming International Tourism Fair of Cuba, which this year will be held in Varadero, the country’s largest and most famous beach resort, from May 6 to 10.