TORONTO — The Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto is reaffirming the stability of tourism operations for Canadian travellers, responding to recent headlines highlighting power outages and potential fuel shortages on the island.
According to the tourism authority, resort areas across Cuba continue to operate normally, with services functioning as usual for the 2025/2026 winter season. Tourism remains a national priority, with measures in place to ensure continuity for visitors despite broader infrastructure challenges that have drawn international media attention in recent weeks.
Strong Canadian demand continues to underpin Cuba’s winter performance. From Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 31, 2026, Canadian arrivals increased by 15% compared to the same period last year, representing more than 30,000 additional visitors. Canada remains Cuba’s largest source market, reinforcing the destination’s long-standing appeal among Canadian travellers.
To prepare for peak winter demand, the Ministry of Tourism implemented proactive measures throughout the fall season aimed at safeguarding tourism operations. Fuel, food and essential supplies were secured well in advance through strategic reserves, along with the approval of new importing companies to strengthen supply chains. These efforts were supported by marketing partnerships with wholesalers and the private sector.
“Tourism operations are progressing normally, with all services functioning as usual in resort areas,” said Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto. “We are incredibly grateful to our valued travel partners and the Canadian public for their continued support. The positive feedback from returning visitors is the driving force behind our double-digit growth.”
The Cuba Tourist Board’s assurances come as the Canadian government updates its travel advice for Cuba, warning of shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts. “The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate, disrupting flight availability on short notice,” according to the federal government’s travel advice page for Cuba.
In light of recent reports concerning power disruptions elsewhere on the island, tourism officials emphasized that hotel infrastructure maintains full energy autonomy. Major resorts are equipped with independent power systems and backup generators, with fuel supplies reserved specifically to ensure uninterrupted guest experiences.
Air access to the destination also remains secure, with expanded service from Atlantic Canada supporting winter demand. New routes launched this week include flights from Moncton to Varadero, Cayo Coco and Holguín, from Fredericton to Cayo Coco and Santa Clara, and from Halifax to Santa Clara.
Galindo, along with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba, Gaviota Hotels and Cubanacan Hotels, addressed these same concerns at a press conference in Mississauga last month. The panel dispelled several myths and rumours, setting the record straight on power outages and possible fuel shortages as a result of ongoing geopolitical tensions. To read Travelweek’s coverage, click here.
