Cuba remains resilient in face of sanctions

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

The statement notes that 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.

Gihana Galindo, the Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, said: “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.”

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

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 honouring confirmed reservations and maintaining established terms for travellers and business partners.

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 Travellers

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.

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 travellers direct, unvarnished access to local culture and enriching every itinerary with immersive experiences and genuine Cuban hospitality.

Galindo noted that: “Cuba’s greatest assets — our pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and the unmatched warmth of our people — remain entirely unaffected by external pressures.”

And she continued: “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”.

Go to www.gocuba.ca for more.