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New U.S. Sanctions Target Cuba's Struggling Tourism Industry

KVIA•Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 12:02 PM•CNN Newsource

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The U.S. government has announced new sanctions aimed at Cuba's tourism sector, which is vital for the island's struggling economy. The Department of State has designated the Ministry of Tourism and nine state entities involved in imports, exports, and fuel marketing. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will continue to confront threats posed by the Cuban regime while advocating for economic reforms. In response, Cuba's government condemned the sanctions as harmful to its citizens' livelihoods. The tourism sector has seen a drastic decline, with only 360,000 visitors in early 2026, a 58% drop from the previous year, as tourists choose other Caribbean destinations due to ongoing crises.

Key Details: • New sanctions announced on Monday, targeting Cuba's tourism sector. • Only 360,000 tourists visited Cuba in the first five months of 2026, a 58% decrease. • Cuba's hotel occupancy rate was below 13% in the first quarter of the year. • Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced reforms allowing locals to manage hotels.

economy tourism sanctions international-relations cuba

People & Organizations

Marco RubioCubaDepartment of StateBruno RodríguezMiguel Díaz-Canel

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