Cuba’s tourist recovery continues, record number of Russian travelers

Cuba's Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) reported that the recovery of the travel industry continues with a record number of Russian travelers.

On its Facebook account, the MINTUR certified that authorities celebrated that 185,800 Russian tourists had visited Cuba, accounting for a significant growth in travelers’ interest in the Caribbean island.

They added that this increase not only highlights the attraction that Cuba exerts as a tourist destination, but also the warmth of the people and the wealth of its culture.

The MINTUR expressed gratitude to all those who choose to enjoy the Cuban benefits, such as beaches, nature, heritage, history and traditions.

The news was replicated by Cubadebate, which pointed out that this record was opportunely communicated by the tourism advisor at the Cuban Embassy in Moscow, Cristina León Iznaga, who was quoted by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

The figure is one percent above the 2023 report (184,800), and five percent compared to the travelers received in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic (nearly 178,000).

The historic record is close to the estimate of 200,000 Russian visitors in 2024, which was released at the time by the MINTUR.

In this regard, Cuban Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García noted that the goal in the coming years is to increase the Russian tourist flow to 500,000 visitors a year.

Direct flights currently depart from Moscow to Havana, Varadero and Cayo Coco, major tourist destination in the Cuban archipelago.