The Impact of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic on the Cuban Tourism Industry and Recommendations for Cuba’s Response

Abstract

   Cuba has been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic as has most countries. The pandemic has all but shut down the tourism industry, with global flights being cancelled and governments taking drastic actions to stop the spread of the virus. The impact will especially hurt developing countries without strong economies and those heavily reliant on the tourism industry, such as Cuba. Government initiatives have included stay at home orders and temporarily closing businesses, restaurants, sports, and music venues as well as manufacturing facilities. With these shutdowns, there exists the probabilities that many businesses will not survive, but for those with sufficient cashflow, this presents opportunities for organizations and governments to re-tool, re-balance and alter their methods of operations. Cuba is different, in that they have a centralized planned economy and do have an opportunity to make significant changes to their industries which can improve the future of Cuba. The present paper looks to evaluate the impact of this on the country and the tourism industry and make economic recommendations in order for the Cuban government to move forward.