Cuba's tourism is crumbling, with one tour operator comparing the collapse to the Covid-19 pandemic.
So far this year, the island country has less than half of the number of visitors than last year, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba. Visitors are still coming, but in trickles and mostly from Canada, with only 21,000 Americans visiting the destination through April.
The drastic decline comes amid an ongoing energy crisis, airline disruptions, a federal indictment in the U.S. of the former Cuban president Raul Castro and heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.
"Most travelers have postponed Cuba visits because they fear military action by Trump or are worried about chronic blackouts and gasoline shortages," said Marcel Hatch, who lives in Havana and founded Cuba Explorer.
Hatch said in February that bookings had plummeted as much as 80% in the weeks after the U.S. military captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in early January. Months later, he's only assisting a "handful of guests," though the operator has not paused itineraries.
Americans visiting the country now are typically those with family there or "youthful independent adventurers," he said.
"In short, the work of the Cuban tour operator and travel agency has collapsed, as it did during the Covid lockdowns," he said.
A changed tourism climate
Intrepid Travel, concerned about flight availability and fuel issues, canceled all Cuba trips through June 30.
Johnny Considine, CEO and founder of Cuba Private Travel, is turning his attention to 2027 in hopes that traveler confidence will be restored by then. Though, he said, he is still bringing guests to the country and made three bookings this week. The operator has acquired fully electric vehicles to avoid relying on fuel.
Those that visit Cuba will find a difference between what they see in-destination and what they read in headlines, he said.
Tourist services, including hotels and restaurants, are functioning normally with backup generators. In general, operators said tourists are insulated from the fuel problems and blackouts plaguing locals.
"Of course, it is quieter than it normally is, but it is certainly possible to visit and have a great experience in the country," Considine said. "In fact, some people would suggest that it's better because of the low visitor numbers and it certainly is more unique."