Garcia described the damage caused by the current US administration’s aggressive stance as highly significant, noting the tightening of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade, which includes an “energy siege” as part of this escalation.

The tourism minister highlighted on national television the campaign against tourism in Cuba, pointing to pressure exerted by the US government on airlines, entrepreneurs, and companies. This pressure has forced several of them to withdraw from the country, some of whom had been operating in the Caribbean nation’s market for decades.

The minister said the situation has altered the landscape, making it impossible to reach the 2.2 million tourists previously projected for 2026.

Garcia acknowledged that the new reality resulting from the tightened US blockade is a challenge, and asserted that the sector remains undeterred and is actively seeking alternatives.

Although Cuba competes in the region under unequal conditions in tourism development, the senior official emphasized that Washington’s pressure has failed to break the sector, which continues to find ways to sustain itself and move forward.

Garcia highlighted how the socioeconomic reforms approved by the National People’s Power Assembly have developed tourism on the island, fostering interaction among several economic shareholders, both public and private.

Abo/iff/lam/wmr