Cuba’s government is betting on renewed tourism, scrapping a $30 airport tax for travelers from the U.S. and elsewhere. This change, effective May 1st, 2025, seeks to boost the island’s appeal as a destination and, hopefully, get its economy humming again, relying on the tourism sector.
Background on the Tax
This airport tax? It started December 1st, 2020, when Cuba reopened after COVID-19. It was meant to help cover the costs of health checks for arriving passengers, part of the new biosecurity protocols. Public Health ran the show at airports, ports, and even marinas, collecting that fee – $30 USD or whatever that was in another strong currency. It was all made official back on November 14, 2020, with a resolution published in the Official Gazette.
Stemming the Tide of Tourist Decline
Why get rid of the tax? Well, tourist numbers have taken a dive. In early 2025, peak season, Cuba only saw around 571,772 international visitors. The National Office of Statistics and Information suggests this is almost a 30% drop compared to the same period in 2024. And this isn’t a one-off; 2024 already saw only 2.2 million travelers, nearly 10% less than 2023, marking a 17-year low, besides the pandemic years, of course.
Some key markets have really struggled. Canada, usually the biggest source of tourists, went down nearly 32%, losing over 120,000 visitors between 2024 and 2025. And Russian tourism? It practically collapsed, plummeting over 50% to just over 33,000 visitors. This market failure, along with fewer Cubans visiting from abroad, is stressing a sector that’s vital to Cuba’s GDP and its flow of foreign currency, which lags behind remittances and professional services.
More Than Just the Tax
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero didn’t just announce the tax cut. He mentioned other moves to get tourism and foreign investment going. Airlines can now sell tickets in foreign currency and cash within Cuba. Partnerships between big tourism outfits and smaller businesses are also being encouraged. The point? Streamline regulations and make the sector more robust.
The Road Ahead
Tourism’s still key to Cuba’s economy. The government is hoping these changes will turn the tide. Ditching the airport tax and making things easier overall, the authorities want tourism sector back as an engine for the economy. Although, of course, dealing with deeper issues – like infrastructure, finding new markets, and managing how Cuba is perceived globally – is going to be key for a real recovery.