by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Fri June 5, 2026
The Cuban Tourist Board today issued a statement titled “Resilience in the Face of Sanctions,” saying the Caribbean island remains open to visitors and will devote itself to be more sustainable, sovereign and resilient.
Despite the fact that Royalton (Blue Diamond), Iberostar and Melia have all ceased managing resorts in Cuba and that international companies including Visa and Mastercard have stopped doing business in the country in response to U.S. sanctions, Cuba sought to reassure the travel industry that it is still ready to receive guests.
“Despite intensified economic pressures from the United States, Cuba remains firmly open for global tourism, with its attractions, hospitality infrastructure, and logistics fully operational,” the statement reads.
The letter states that Cuba’s tourism operations will proceed without interruption, indicating that properties transitioning out of foreign contracts will maintain normal operations under the management of national hotel chains, including: Cubanacán, Gran Caribe and Gaviota.
It notes that several hotels had already shut “due to shifting market demands” and states that under the new management, confirmed reservations will be fully honoured and will maintain established terms for travellers and business partners.
“While the path with these foreign partners have diverged now, we are deeply grateful for the years we spent building side by side and their impact remains a cornerstone of our success” said Gihana Galindo, the Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto.
To help reduce the nation's reliance on traditional energy sources and supply constraints, the tourist board highlights that the private sector is strategically investing in green energy innovation and direct import power, modernizing the infrastructure while continuing to give travellers access to local culture with immersive experiences and genuine Cuban hospitality.
“Cuba’s greatest assets—our pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and the unmatched warmth of our people—remain entirely unaffected by external pressures," said Galindo, "For over three decades, our local teams have worked alongside international partners to build a world-class service infrastructure. Today, that local expertise is fully equipped to seamlessly manage our properties, protect every traveller's reservation, and deliver the exceptional hospitality that defines our destination.”
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