Cuba’s Tourism Reopening Plans Amid COVID-19

With only one COVID-related death recorded since May 30, the Cuban government has announced tentative plans to reopen for tourism, which is the country’s second-biggest money-earner after healthcare. The reopening will take place in three phases, with the first phase expected to begin in late June, allowing Cubans to travel domestically around the country for the first time since March. International tourists will be welcomed in phase two, which is roughly scheduled to start at the end of August, although several caveats will apply.

Phased Reopening Plan

Initially, Cuba’s small regional airports will open only to charter flights from overseas, and tourism will be confined to specific resort enclaves. Arriving passengers will be bussed directly to all-inclusive tourist hotels located on Cuba’s outlying islands, such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Santa María on the north coast, alongside Cayo Largo del Sur in the south. At this stage, Varadero, the country’s largest resort, will remain closed to non-Cubans. Furthermore, Havana and other mainland towns and cities will remain off-limits to vacationers until the final phase is enacted. A specific reopening date for this conclusive stage is yet to be determined.

Health and Safety Measures

At airports, all incoming travellers will undergo mandatory PCR (swab) tests and temperature screenings. In hotels, dedicated health clinics will regularly monitor guests for any signs of illness. In the event of a positive COVID-19 test, individuals will be promptly hospitalized. Hotels have been meticulously reviewing their health protocols recently; for instance, the Spanish Meliá chain, which operates over 40 hotels across the country, has partnered with Bureau Veritas to ensure that their facilities are adequately equipped for social distancing and hygiene practices. Initially operating at reduced capacity, resorts will be staffed by quarantined Cuban hotel workers who will be tested and, if necessary, isolated after every two-week working shift.

Impact on Local Businesses

Outside of government-run resorts, casas particulares (homestays) and restaurants will have to wait until phase three before they can welcome foreign travellers. These small private businesses have been hit hard by declining income, relying heavily on international visitors since the tightening of U.S. travel rules in 2019. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated these problems, leading to a devastating drop in income.

Economic Concerns

Many owners of homestays and restaurants are optimistic that the government will ease the stringent taxes and restrictions integrated into Cuba’s bureaucratic economy. Nevertheless, without foreign visitors, an array of small operators, including taxi drivers and room renters, face significant financial difficulties, with many at risk of closing down. Private entrepreneurs are anxiously hoping for relief before the end of the year, especially with the peak holiday season in Cuba running from mid-November to late March, when visitors typically arrive from Canada and Europe.

In recent months, shortages and long lines outside shops have become a common sight in Cuban towns and cities. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted an already fragile economic situation, which has been further complicated by a continuing U.S. trade embargo and the fall of Cuba’s previously strong trading relationship with Venezuela. Consequently, the authorities are eager to encourage travellers back to the country’s resorts, beaches, and historic towns as soon as possible, as tourism represents a vital component of the nation’s economy, accounting for over 10% of GDP.

Healthcare Measures

Fortunately, on the healthcare front, Cuba has made significant strides in controlling the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in contrast to other Latin American nations. Benefiting from one of the highest doctor-to-patient ratios globally, the Cuban health service has deployed dedicated teams of medical professionals to trace, track, and isolate COVID-19 cases by visiting homes directly. With active cases now reduced to below 200 from a peak of 800, these continuous efforts are yielding positive results.