Despite President Trump's repeated threats of military action against Cuba, a trickle of intrepid tourists continue to visit the island. Among them are Leslie Simon and Marc Bender, retired union lawyers from Los Angeles, who arrived in Havana for a 10-day holiday wearing badges reading 'ICE OUT!' and expressing strong criticism of US history.
Tourism, once a key earner for Cuba, has been devastated by the US oil blockade imposed after the success of operations in Venezuela. In March, visitor numbers plummeted to an estimated 20,000-25,000 leisure tourists, compared to 170,000-180,000 in March 2025. The blockade has deprived airlines of refuelling capabilities, forcing many carriers and package holiday operators from Canada, Spain and Russia to pull out.
The impact on locals is severe. A former hotel bartender, now cutting wood near Havana's shrine to La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, lamented: 'What do I have for breakfast? What do I eat for lunch?' The estimated 300,000 people working in tourism have been collateral damage.
Some in the industry argue it remains a good time for foreigners to visit. Katya Bleszynska, co-author of Lonely Planet's Cuba guide, said: 'I think it’s an amazing time to come. There are really good local businesses and private hotels that really want your business.' However, German influencer Alissa Scheer noted that Havana's nightlife has lost its spontaneity: 'That’s still there, but it is far less.'
Simon and Bender, meanwhile, plan to explore the countryside before returning for May Day celebrations as part of a 'Cuba May Day Revolutionary Tour' organised by Young Pioneer Tours. Bender joked he initially thought the company was North Korean, but discovered it simply runs tours there.
