parks
Cuba’s hotels sit empty as US pressure campaign drives tourists away
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 6, 2026
· 5 min read
By Patrick Oppmann, CNN
Havana, Cuba (CNN) — Cuba’s tourism sector seems to have everything from white sandy beaches to Spanish colonial forts.
Everything except for tourists.
The island’s economy has been caught in a death spiral following a barrage of sanctions levied by the Trump adminis...
Key takeaway “There are no tourists,” said Elio, one half of a guitar duo that has played traditional Cuban music for nearly 30 years near a historic plaza in Old Havana.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's own experience with cross-border tourism and trade with Mexico serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic and political pressures. The city's economy has long been intertwined with that of its Mexican sister city, Ciudad Juárez, and has felt the effects of fluctuations in trade and tourism. While the situation in Cuba is unique, El Pasoans can appreciate the impact of external factors on local businesses and livelihoods. The empty hotels in Cuba have a parallel in El Paso's own struggles to attract and retain visitors, particularly during times of border uncertainty. As the city continues to develop its own tourism sector, including efforts to promote its natural and cultural attractions, the story of Cuba's struggling tourism industry offers a cautionary tale about the importance of stable and supportive economic policies.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Patrick Oppmann, CNN
Havana, Cuba (CNN) — Cuba’s tourism sector seems to have everything from white sandy beaches to Spanish colonial forts.
Everything except for tourists.
The island’s economy has been caught in a death spiral following a barrage of sanctions levied by the Trump adminis...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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