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Crisis in Cuba sending Canadian travellers to pricier sun destinations: travel agents

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, travel data revealed Canadians are shifting away from Cuba toward pricier sun destinations after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an oil blockade earlier this year, triggering severe fuel shortages and flight suspensions.
The United States' oil blockade against Cuba prompted airlines to suspend flights and the Canadian government to issue travel advisories, as the country of around 11 million people faces a humanitarian crisis caused by the latest sanctions.
Durham Travel president John Wood reported sales to Cuba dropped from more than $389,000 last year to $24,000 this year, while Flight Centre Canada agent Ashley Harold noted comparable trips to Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica cost around $1,800.
Tourists can 'get creative' with vacation plans, Harold said, considering Caribbean cruises or tours to Costa Rica and Peru, as the Dominican Republic appears to have absorbed most of the difference in visitor numbers.
Domestic tourism is gaining traction, with some Canadians choosing to visit 'fantastic' winter destinations from Alberta to the West Coast to keep their dollar within Canada while managing the new normal of advance bookings.

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