That would represent a 35% jump in tourists from Russia in 2024, a desperately needed shot in the arm for a key Cuban industry that has struggled to revive following the COVID-19 pandemic. Stiffened U.S. sanctions under former U.S. President Donald Trump also complicate travel by U.S. citizens to the island.
The Cuban diplomat in Moscow said new flights to the island from the Russian capital – a 13-hour direct flight – had helped boost visitor numbers last year and would do the same in 2024.
Russia, a long-time political ally of Cuba, has also introduced its MIR credit card for use on the island, facilitating transactions for citizens who visit Cuba’s cities and resorts.
Communist-run Cuba, knee-capped by a near-unprecedented economic crisis and widespread shortages, is counting on increased foreign currency generated by tourists this year to help import food, fuel and medicine to the island.
Cuban officials have said 2.4 million tourists arrived on the island in 2023,…
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