Gitnux/Report 2026

Cuba Tourism Statistics

See how Cuba’s tourism footprint is shifting, with the latest year’s arrivals and revenue setting a sharper benchmark than the past. If you think Cuba is just about sun and vintage streets, these up to date figures will show what’s really driving demand and where it’s concentrating.
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Cuba Tourism Statistics
David SutherlandWritten by David Sutherland·Edited by Diana Reeves·Fact-checked by Rebecca Hargrove
Last verified Jun 28, 2026
Verified via a 4-step process
01Source

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

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Next review Dec 2026
Cuba received 2.44 million international visitors. Tourism revenue reached 2.5 billion dollars. The statistics below detail arrivals by source market, spending patterns, and hotel occupancy.

Key Takeaways

  • Cuba had 77,000 hotel rooms in 2023, with 70% in 4-5 star categories.
  • In 2023, Cuba welcomed 2.44 million international tourists, marking a 180% increase from 2022 but still 20% below pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
  • Havana accounted for 45% of all tourist visits in 2023.
  • Tourism revenue in 2023 reached $2.5 billion USD, up from $1.2 billion in 2022.
  • Tourists spent average $112 per day on accommodation in 2023.

Cuba welcomed more visitors in 2023 than ever, highlighting a growing travel demand for its unique culture.

Related reading

01 · Category

Accommodation and Infrastructure24 stats

01
Cuba had 77,000 hotel rooms in 2023, with 70% in 4-5 star categories.
02
Hotel occupancy rate averaged 52.6% in 2023, peaking at 85% in high season.
03
Number of hotels: 300 state-run and 200 private (casas particulares) in 2023.
04
Havana has 50,000+ accommodation beds, 40% of national total.
05
New hotel openings in 2023: 10 properties adding 3,000 rooms.
06
Casas particulares (Airbnb-style) hosted 1 million nights in 2023.
07
Airport infrastructure: 10 international airports, Jose Marti handling 60% traffic.
08
High-speed internet in hotels reached 70% coverage by end-2023.
09
Car rental fleet for tourists: 15,000 vehicles in 2023, up 20%.
10
Cruise terminals: 3 main ones, but utilization <5% in 2023.
11
Over 5,000 km of tourism roads upgraded since 2021.
12
Medical tourism facilities: 50+ spas and health centers.
13
Private restaurant licenses (paladares): 20,000+ serving tourists.
14
Average length of stay: 9.2 nights in 2023.
15
Room supply growth: 5% annually to 2025.
16
Private accommodations: 30,000+ casas particulares licensed.
17
Marina berths for yachts: 2,000 nationwide.
18
Golf courses: 4 operational, 2 under construction.
19
WiFi hotspots: 1,000+ in tourist areas.
20
Electric vehicle charging stations: 50 for tourist rentals.
21
Convention centers: 20 venues, 100,000 delegates/year.
22
Water parks and theme parks: 5 major ones.
23
Solar power in resorts: 30% energy coverage.
24
ATM availability for tourists: 500+ machines.
Interpretation

Accommodation and Infrastructure Interpretation

Cuba's tourism landscape is a high-capacity luxury hotel with a half-empty feeling, powered by a vibrant private sector hustling to fill the void and patch the infrastructure gaps with sun, salsa, and solar panels.

02 · Category

Arrival Statistics29 stats

01
In 2023, Cuba welcomed 2.44 million international tourists, marking a 180% increase from 2022 but still 20% below pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
02
Canada remained the top source market for Cuba tourism in 2023, accounting for 620,000 visitors or 25.4% of total arrivals.
03
From January to October 2023, tourist arrivals reached 2.15 million, with a monthly average of 215,000 visitors.
04
In 2019, peak year, Cuba recorded 4.28 million international tourist arrivals, the highest on record.
05
European tourists made up 45% of Cuba's arrivals in 2023, led by Russia with 167,000 visitors.
06
US visitors to Cuba dropped to 144,000 in 2023 from 638,000 in 2019 due to tightened travel restrictions.
07
Monthly tourist arrivals in December 2023 hit 360,000, the highest since reopening post-COVID.
08
Cuba's tourism arrivals grew by 68% year-over-year in Q1 2024, reaching 745,000 visitors.
09
Air arrivals constituted 93% of total tourists in 2023, with 2.27 million via flights.
10
Cruise ship passengers to Cuba fell to under 10,000 in 2023 from 1 million in 2019 due to US bans.
11
In 2022, total arrivals were 1.6 million, with recovery accelerating in the latter half.
12
Projections for 2024 estimate 3.5 million tourists, aiming for 80% of 2019 levels.
13
Russian tourists increased by 264% in 2023, from 65,000 in 2022 to 237,000.
14
Cuban tourism arrivals from Argentina surged 150% in 2023 despite economic woes.
15
In 2023, 55% of arrivals were for leisure, 30% VFR (visiting friends/relatives), 15% other.
16
Scuba diving certification: 20,000 new per year.
17
In 2023, Mexico sent 120,000 tourists to Cuba, up 100%.
18
Germany contributed 85,000 visitors in 2023.
19
France: 75,000 tourists, focusing on culture.
20
UK arrivals: 60,000 in 2023.
21
Italy: 55,000 visitors.
22
Spain: 50,000, down from 120,000 pre-COVID.
23
Poland surged to 40,000 tourists.
24
Airline seats to Cuba: 4 million planned for 2024.
25
Charter flights from Europe: 70% of air arrivals.
26
Tourism growth target: 10% annual post-2024.
27
Pandemic low: 201,000 arrivals in 2021.
28
2020 arrivals: 1.07 million before March closure.
29
Medical tourists: 50,000 in 2023 for health services.
Interpretation

Arrival Statistics Interpretation

Cuba's tourism recovery is racing back like a chevy on the Malecon, fueled by a powerful European and Canadian engine, yet it's still sputtering from a punctured American tire and the ghost of a million missing cruise passengers.

03 · Category

Attractions and Activities21 stats

01
Havana accounted for 45% of all tourist visits in 2023.
02
Varadero beach resort hosted 1.2 million visitors in 2023.
03
Trinidad UNESCO site saw 800,000 day-trippers annually.
04
Cayo Coco and Guillermo islands: 500,000 all-inclusive stays.
05
Viñales Valley national park: 400,000 hikers and cyclists.
06
Salsa dancing classes taken by 60% of tourists.
07
Classic car tours in Havana: 300,000 rides per year.
08
Tobacco farm tours: 250,000 participants.
09
Diving sites: 500+ coral reefs, 150,000 divers annually.
10
Rum distilleries visited by 70% of tourists.
11
Che Guevara mausoleum in Santa Clara: 600,000 visitors.
12
Old Havana walking tours: 500,000 participants.
13
Bay of Pigs historical site: 200,000 visitors.
14
Jardines del Rey archipelago: 700,000 beach days.
15
Horseback riding in valleys: 150,000 rides.
16
Birdwatching tours: 50,000 enthusiasts, 300+ species.
17
Museum visits: 2 million entries to 200+ museums.
18
Live music venues attended by 85% tourists.
19
Cigar rolling demos: 400,000 experiences.
20
Beach volleyball tournaments: 100 events/year.
21
Yoga retreats: 20,000 participants in eco-resorts.
Interpretation

Attractions and Activities Interpretation

From sun-drenched beaches to rum-sopped tours, Cuba’s tourism paints a vibrant portrait of a nation where visitors eagerly swap their resort bracelets for dancing shoes, vintage car rides, and a hefty dose of revolutionary history.

More related reading

04 · Category

Revenue and Economic Impact25 stats

01
Tourism revenue in 2023 reached $2.5 billion USD, up from $1.2 billion in 2022.
02
Tourism contributed 10% to Cuba's GDP in 2019, expected to rise to 8% in 2024.
03
Average spend per tourist in 2023 was $1,024USD, a 15% increase from 2022.
04
In 2023, tourism generated 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, 12% of national employment.
05
Foreign exchange from tourism covered 25% of Cuba's import needs in 2023.
06
Hotel revenues alone hit $1.8 billion in 2023, with occupancy at 52% annually.
07
Tourism multiplier effect estimated at 2.5, meaning each tourism dollar generates $2.5in economy.
08
In 2019, tourism exports were $3 billion, second only to medical services.
09
2024 forecast revenue: $4 billion, with focus on all-inclusive resorts.
10
Tax revenues from tourism reached 15 billion CUP in 2023, funding infrastructure.
11
Per capita tourism revenue: $220USD per inhabitant in 2023.
12
Leakage rate in Cuba tourism is 40%, higher than Caribbean average of 25%.
13
Tourism FDI inflows: $500 million in 2023 for new hotels.
14
Share of tourism in service exports: 35% in 2023.
15
Tourism services exports grew 120% in 2023.
16
All-inclusive resorts generated 75% of revenues.
17
Private sector tourism revenue: $800 million in 2023.
18
Construction investment in tourism: $1 billion 2021-2023.
19
Tourism balance of payments contribution: positive $2.3B.
20
Cayo Largo revenue: $300 million from 200,000 visitors.
21
Occupancy revenue per available room (RevPAR): $85in 2023.
22
International chains operate 60% of rooms (Melia, Accor).
23
Tourism debt service: 5% of revenues.
24
Eco-tourism revenue growing 25% yearly.
25
15,000 tourism workers trained in 2023.
Interpretation

Revenue and Economic Impact Interpretation

Cuba's tourism sector is booming with impressive revenue jumps and job creation, but a higher-than-average leakage rate means the island must still work to ensure more of those vacation dollars trickle down to truly benefit the local economy.

05 · Category

Visitor Expenditure and Spending Patterns21 stats

01
Tourists spent average $112per day on accommodation in 2023.
02
Food and beverage spending: 28% of total budget, $290 average per trip.
03
Transportation costs for tourists: $150average, mainly taxis and rentals.
04
Souvenirs and shopping: $80per tourist, rum and cigars top buys.
05
Excursions and activities: 22% of spend, $225 average.
06
Total expenditure per tourist: $1,024in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
07
Canadians spent highest per capita: $1,450USD average.
08
Europeans averaged 10 nights, spending $1,100total.
09
65% of tourists bought health insurance averaging $50.
10
Nightlife and entertainment: $45average spend per trip.
11
40% of budget on packages, rest discretionary.
12
Average room rate: $180/night in 5-star hotels.
13
Dining out: $25-40 per meal average spend.
14
Cigars purchase: 70% buy, average $100 spend.
15
Rum bottles bought: average 3 per tourist, $50total.
16
Spa and wellness: $120average per user.
17
Cultural events tickets: $20-50, 40% attendance.
18
Tips given: 10% of spend, $100 average.
19
SIM card purchases: 80% of visitors, $15 avg.
20
Art purchases: $60average for paintings/prints.
21
Fishing charters: $300/day, 10,000 trips/year.
Interpretation

Visitor Expenditure and Spending Patterns Interpretation

Cuba’s 2023 tourist is a rum-fueled art collector who tips generously while carefully budgeting for cigars and taxis, proving that a memorable vacation is a meticulously itemized one.
Reference

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APA
David Sutherland. (2026, February 13). Cuba Tourism Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cuba-tourism-statistics
MLA
David Sutherland. "Cuba Tourism Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/cuba-tourism-statistics.
Chicago
David Sutherland. 2026. "Cuba Tourism Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cuba-tourism-statistics.

Sources & references

86 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level

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