Devoted travelers to Cuba often cite its pristine beaches, strong sense of safety, and hospitable locals as irresistible draws. “You fall in love,” shares Monique Belliveau, 53, from Winnipeg. She estimates around 80 visits to the Caribbean nation over the past two decades, starting with family trips to Varadero, followed by solo adventures, and now regular journeys with her Cuban husband and son. The family owns a home in Holguín near his relatives. During their latest stay in January 2026 at a Guardalavaca resort, they encountered no shortages, power failures, or disruptions, Belliveau reports. “This travel advisory has only succeeded in alarming travelers unnecessarily.”
Federal Advisory Highlights Risks
The federal government recently upgraded its Cuba travel advisory to recommend a high degree of caution. Officials warn of intensifying shortages in electricity, fuel, food, water, and medicine that could disrupt even resort areas. Daily blackouts plague the island due to fuel scarcity and aging infrastructure, compounding an economic downturn fueled by reduced tourism, stricter U.S. sanctions, and a botched currency unification effort. Visitor arrivals have plunged nearly 70 percent since 2018.
Tourism Decline Hits Canadians Hard
Tourism once brought Cuba up to $3 billion U.S. annually, with Canadians as the top market. Statistics Canada data shows 410,000 Canadian visits in the first quarter of 2019, ranking Cuba second among overseas destinations behind Mexico. Numbers rebounded in early 2024 but fell 38 percent in early 2025, dropping Cuba to fourth place. Cuba’s national statistics confirm a 12 percent decline in Canadian arrivals for all of 2025 compared to the prior year.
Travelers Split on Response
Since the advisory, numerous Canadians report canceling trips, facing cancellation hurdles, or proceeding despite potential challenges. Belliveau dismisses the warning as “nonsense” that further damages Cuba’s vital tourism sector. “Canceling trips now hurts Cubans most—they need visitors more than ever,” she urges.
Conversely, Katherine Hill, 40, from Bowmanville, Ontario, scrapped a family trip to Cayo Santa Maria amid fuel woes, the advisory, and regional tensions. “I couldn’t relax knowing Cuba nears humanitarian collapse,” she explains. Recent resort reviews highlight buffet closures, bused meals, unreliable transport, and suggestions to pack kettles, instant noodles, and water—turning vacations into survival prep.
Zelia Saliu, 60, scheduled for Cayo Coco from Toronto on February 24, fears the conditions, especially with health concerns. Sunwing Vacations, her provider, denies credits or changes without a “Worry Free” plan, insisting the resort remains suitable. A Sunwing spokesperson notes close monitoring of developments and adherence to government guidance and standard policies. Saliu faces full loss or travel amid fears: “We are terrified.”
Official Reassurances and Tensions
The Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto affirms resorts operate normally and securely this winter season, with the Ministry of Tourism securing fuel, food, and supplies proactively. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel calls the crisis “complex,” blaming an “aggressive and criminal” U.S. policy that hampers transport, healthcare, education, tourism, and food production. U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba.
Belliveau plans a March return to Varadero and advises packing comforts common for Caribbean trips. “No place feels safer than Cuba,” she asserts.
