Cuba's tourism industry is facing a significant crisis as the government begins shutting down several beach resorts due to a fuel shortage. This situation has been aggravated by U.S. sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump that have restricted fuel shipments to the island. Reports indicate that two large resorts on Cayo Coco, a popular tourist destination, are expected to close as soon as the weekend, affecting both the working conditions of the employees and the vacation plans of the tourists.

Employees at the resorts have attributed the shutdowns to insufficient fuel for transportation, directly linked to the sanctions. A worker at Mojito Cayo Coco disclosed that employees are unable to commute to work, resulting in the closure of the resort and the transfer of about 200 guests to another nearby resort. This unprecedented situation marks a departure from the typical temporary shutdowns experienced during hurricanes, showcasing the severe impact of the sanctions on daily operations in the tourism sector.

The closure of these resort facilities not only threatens the jobs of local staff but also raises concerns about the broader implications for Cuba's economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. As international airlines like WestJet and Sunwing monitor the crisis, the unfolding events highlight the vulnerability of Cuba's tourism industry amid geopolitical tensions and resource shortages, leading to potential long-term effects on the country's economy and employment rates.