TORONTO — Another wave of consumer media reporting on Canadians’ sun destination options for 2026-2027 could be the reminder some clients need to book early for the best inventory and pricing this winter.
This past weekend CTV News reminded viewers that Cuba tourism is still sidelined due to the fallout from the U.S. embargo and sanctions.
Travel insurance specialist Martin Firestone told CTV he’s looking at Mexico especially to fill the gap for Canadian travellers looking for budget-friendly sun packages.
“I think Mexico will be the winner out of this because that may be the next one where you could at least get a flight and vacation package that is somewhat attractive,” Firestone told CTV. “Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, other sun destinations.”
He added: “I don’t think anything will ever be as good as Cuba was. They were known for having very economical flights, great weather and great beaches. You have to look elsewhere … [but] he problem is, you’re not going to find as cheap a vacation as you once did in Cuba.”
The ‘book early’ message reflects the fact that it’s not just Canadians looking for winter sun packages, it’s other international markets too, many of which are also missing Cuba as an option. Tour operators told Travelweek they’re keeping a close eye on room inventory in this first full winter without Cuba.
Said Firestone: “Booking early is your only option. If there’s only a few seats left on the plane, those prices go up. It’s dynamic pricing, and that’s what you’re going to find with vacations now. If you are planning on getting away for the holiday season, you should be looking right now and booking as soon as possible because there’s only one way it’s going to go, and that’s up.”
Meanwhile Flight Centre Canada’s Ashley Harold says Mexico, the D.R., Aruba, Barbados and Jamaica are the destinations she’s seeing pick up some of the displaced demand.
“There isn’t one new Cuba, if you will. Canadians [are] really spreading their winter travel across a much wider mix of destinations and trip types,” said Harold.
John Wood, president of Durham Travel, said some clients previously visited Cuba three, four or five times annually because of its affordability. “And now they can’t do that anymore.”
His agency’s Cuba sales have fallen from more than $389,000 last year to $24,000 so far in 2026. His agent’s D.R. sales, meanwhile, have climbed from approximately $1 million to nearly $1.3 million.
With file from The Canadian Press
