TORONTO — With the 2026-2027 winter season on the horizon the Cuba Tourist Board says Cuba has officially introduced its sweeping regulatory overhaul designed to expand private management, foreign investment and business diversification across the tourism sector.

The measures build on earlier reforms from June 2026, when eased rules on foreign ownership for tourism projects were first announced. Cuba is working to keep its tourism industry afloat amid severe challenges brought on by the U.S. administration’s sanctions and oil blockade.

Under the latest framework, Cuba is allowing more flexible business structures, including leasing, usufruct rights and real estate acquisition opportunities for foreign investors and members of the Cuban diaspora in destinations including the northern keys, Old Havana and Trinidad.

“We are very optimistic,” said Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, adding that the reforms are intended to make the tourism sector more sustainable and resilient while improving service quality and broadening the range of experiences available to visitors.

Among the changes are expanded opportunities for joint ventures, fully foreign-owned companies and non-state entities to operate travel agencies, along with greater use of certified private tour guides and sales agents.

The reforms also widen participation in vehicle rentals, introduce new joint venture and leasing models for tourist marinas, and include incentives for ecotourism and other specialized tourism projects.

Cuba is also establishing an online corporate bank for the tourism sector with international connectivity, with the goal of facilitating transactions for international partners.

Canada’s travel advisory for Cuba remains at orange (avoid non-essential travel) and major resort companies have pulled out of the island. Canada’s airlines have suspended flights to Cuba, and Canada’s major tour operators have suspended Cuba operations indefinitely.