Cuba tourist arrivals plunge 65% in eight months, deepening economic crisis

Official data shows Cuba received 813,979 fewer tourists from January to August 2026 versus the same period last year, a 65% drop. The collapse reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, US sanctions, and regional instability, and will severely strain Cuba's already fragile economy, which relies heavily on tourism revenue. The trend is likely to persist absent a major policy shift or security improvement.