Tour operators say Cuba tours are running, but clients are wary Several tour operators that serve the U.S. market reported they have not faced major issues with itineraries in Cuba. Photo Credit: Cultural Island Travel Recent headlines may paint a grim picture of Cuba's tourism sector, but tour operators said they don't fully capture the reality on the ground. A nationwide energy shortage caused by the U.S. blockade of Venezuelan fuel exports to Cuba prompted Canadian airlines to halt flights to the Caribbean island and several European nations to warn travelers of potential travel disruptions. But as of mid-February, several tour operators catering to the U.S. market said they have not faced major issues operating itineraries, reporting that restaurants and hotels use generators for power and that ground transportation for tourists is operating as usual. And while Cuban aviation officials have said airlines cannot refuel in-country, that should not [...]

Dominican tourism breaks January record with 1.2 million visitors Dominican tourism recorded a strong start to the year, welcoming 1,219,606 visitors in January, a 5.5% increase compared to the same month in 2025, 14.2% more than 2014, and 61.7% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to Tourism Minister David Collado. Presenting the figures at the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Collado reported that 825,847 tourists arrived by air, reflecting an 8.7% year-on-year increase, while 393,759 cruise passengers arrived by sea, up 21% from 2025 and 152% from 2019. “This is the first time in our history that the country has received more than 1.2 million visitors in January, confirming the extraordinary momentum of Dominican tourism,” Collado said. The United States led visitor arrivals with 35%, followed by Canada (24%), Argentina (8%), Colombia (5%), France (3%), and the United Kingdom and Italy (2% each). Punta Cana International Airport handled 63% [...]

Blue Diamond Resorts adjusts hotel availability in Cuba Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba continues to be an iconic destination that captivates travelers from around the world with its dreamlike beaches, rich culture and warm hospitality. This was reaffirmed in an official statement by Rafael Villanueva, Commercial Director of Blue Diamond Resorts, who pointed out that the current national situation on the island, marked by a fuel crisis exacerbated by the US economic blockade, has led the Blue Diamond Resorts hotel chain to implement an operational reorganization in the country. Currently, the chain has a total of 58 hotels in Cuba, some of which have had to close temporarily to adapt to the country's circumstances. "Blue Diamond Resorts' priority has been to maintain the quality of service in the establishments that remain operational," the statement emphasizes. Among the hotels that have closed temporarily are those located in key destinations such as [...]

Cuba presents its proposal to attract travelers from Italy Interview with Yanet Mora, Cuban Tourism Counsellor in Rome Claudia Dupeiron Shortly before the start of the prestigious Milan Tourism Exchange 2026 (BIT Milano), the leading trade fair for the sector in northern Italy, TTC spoke with Yanet Mora, Cuba's Tourism Counsellor to the European country, who discussed details about the Caribbean nation's participation, its strategies to attract Italian visitors, and the ties that strengthen its presence in this market. "Cuba's participation in BIT Milano always represents a strategic opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of our destination. This time, we have a modern and attractive stand that reflects authentic Cuban hospitality," Mora stated. “The delegation includes hotel chains, travel agencies, and executives from the business sector. Our main objective is to present a comprehensive image of the country, beyond the sun and beach tourism product, highlighting our heritage, historical and [...]