As the winter holiday season approaches, Canadian travellers are facing significant changes in their vacation plans, particularly regarding travel to Cuba. Earlier this year, the United States enacted an oil blockade against Cuba, leading to severe fuel shortages in the country. This situation prompted Canadian airlines to indefinitely suspend flights to the island, impacting a popular destination previously favored by Canadians seeking sun during the cold months.
Travel agents report that Canadians looking to escape the winter chill will find themselves paying significantly more for all-inclusive packages compared to previous years. Ashley Harold, a travel agent with Flight Centre Canada, highlighted that popular Caribbean destinations, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Barbados, and Jamaica, are experiencing increased interest from Canadian travellers, who are diversifying their travel plans.
According to Harold, there isn’t a singular alternative to Cuba at the moment; instead, Canadians are exploring a wider variety of destinations and types of trips. Some are considering Caribbean cruises or trip options to warmer destinations like Costa Rica and Peru. Additionally, domestic tourism is on the rise as Canadians opt for “fantastic” winter locations within their country, from Alberta to the West Coast. Harold observed a growing trend of Canadians wanting to explore local attractions while keeping their spending within Canada.
Though advance bookings have become more common post-COVID-19, the lack of availability for Cuban vacations has prompted Canadians to book alternative destinations much earlier than usual in order to secure the best prices. Before the pandemic, over a million Canadians visited Cuba annually, but that number has been steadily declining. Statistics Canada estimates indicate that visits dropped to approximately 700,000 in 2025, with only about 127,000 Canadian visits recorded in the first quarter of 2026.
The decrease in travel has been exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of the oil blockade, followed by a travel advisory from the Canadian government due to shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in Cuba. Consequently, Canadians are now advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the country. The suspension of flights and the withdrawal of major hotel chains from Cuba have further devastated the tourism sector and local economy, which heavily relies on this industry, leading to a humanitarian crisis as a result of ongoing U.S. sanctions and the long-standing trade embargo.
Historically, Cuba was a stronghold for Canadian tourists seeking affordable winter getaways. However, the new reality means travellers are now spending hundreds more to explore alternative destinations, or they may have to reduce the frequency of their travels. John Wood, president of Durham Travel based east of Toronto, emphasized that many former Cuba visitors were conscious of their travel budgets and aimed to maximize their holiday experiences, often vacationing in Cuba multiple times a year. This year, however, sales from his agency indicates a significant decline, dropping from over $389,000 last year to just $24,000 in 2026.
On the contrary, travel sales to the Dominican Republic have surged from approximately $1 million in 2025 to nearly $1.3 million so far this year. Wood pointed out that the Dominican Republic has seemingly absorbed much of the demand previously directed towards Cuba, especially as some travellers express concerns over crime and environmental issues, like seaweed blooms, in destinations such as Mexico. Despite the higher costs, Mexico is still regarded as the top travel destination among Flight Centre Canada clients.
For instance, a seven-day package at a four-star resort in Varadero, Cuba, with flight included, was available for under $1,400 per person last holiday season. In contrast, similar trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are now averaging around $1,800 this year. Harold noted that travellers accustomed to Cuba’s pricing would need to adjust their expectations when planning their vacations. However, she sees this as a chance for Canadians to be more adventurous in their travel choices and experience new locations during the holiday season.
