The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba has canceled the operating licenses of two foreign travel agencies that were promoting visits to the island, according to a resolution published in the Official Gazette of the Republic in its ordinary edition number 38, published this Tuesday.
By means of Resolution 16/2025, the registration of the representative office in Cuba of the Mexican agency PROTOURS SERVICE S.A. de C.V. was denied, after it was revealed that the company has definitively ceased its operations and is in the process of bankruptcy and liquidation.
The resolution was adopted by the head of the department, Juan Carlos García Granda, the publication details.
On the other hand, Resolution 35/2025 also rejected the request submitted by the state agency CUBATUR S.A. to act as a representative in the country for the British agency DESIGN TRAVEL L.T.D., due to the “low level of issuance” from the foreign entity, which —according to the Ministry— does not justify the signing of a representation contract.
Both decisions are part of a series of measures adopted by the Mintur to reorganize the operation of foreign agencies in the country, in fulfillment of its governing methodological role in this sector, in accordance with Agreement 7742 of the Council of Ministers.
Simultaneously, the Cuban government authorized the registration of new commercial representations, including SKEDIO INVESTMENT S.L.U., replacing SKEDIO S.L., and NOVELA TRAVEL S.A.S., which will be able to operate within the national territory under strict regulations that limit their scope of action to supervision, promotion, and contracting from abroad.
The publication indicates that these decisions reflect a "greater state control" over foreign tourism promotion activities in Cuba, aimed at "strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector."
Despite the regime's efforts to boost tourism to the island, the news remains discouraging. Tourism in Cuba dropped by 25% in January 2025 compared to the previous year, due to multiple factors such as the energy crisis, the deterioration of hotel infrastructure, and supply restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cancellation of Travel Agency Licenses in Cuba
Why did the Cuban government cancel the licenses of travel agencies?
The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba canceled the licenses of two foreign travel agencies because one of them, PROTOURS SERVICE S.A. de C.V., has ceased operations and is in the process of bankruptcy, while the other, DESIGN TRAVEL L.T.D., was rejected due to its low level of tourist arrivals, which does not justify a representation contract on the island.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to reorganize tourism?
The Cuban government is implementing a greater state control over foreign tourism promotion activities, as part of a series of measures to reorganize the operations of foreign agencies in the country. This includes the cancellation of licenses for underperforming agencies and the authorization of new commercial representations under strict regulations.
How does this cancellation of licenses affect the Cuban tourism sector?
The cancellation of licenses for travel agencies could intensify the tourism crisis in Cuba, a sector already impacted by a decline in the arrival of international tourists due to financial issues, inadequate infrastructure, and regional competition. These actions reflect an attempt to control and optimize the sector, but they could also limit the options for promotion and tourism representation abroad.
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