AGP Executive Report

U.S. Sanctions Hit Cuba’s Finance, Energy and Mining: The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions on Sept. 3, targeting Banco Exterior de Cuba, Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis (Raúl Castro’s grandson), and several state-linked firms tied to nickel and oil/energy—another pressure point as Cuba’s economy and tourism struggle. Foreign Investment Rules for Travel and Trade: Cuba published Decree-Law 128, easing how foreign companies hire (directly, without state mediation) and allowing faster banking steps abroad—part of a broader push to attract investors despite U.S. pressure. Tourism Still Sliding: New arrival figures show July international travelers at just 32,272, down sharply versus last year and far below 2018 levels, underscoring how sanctions and the energy crisis keep tourists away. Tourism Ministry Tries to Reframe the Pitch: Officials say Cuba is reorganizing services and focusing on key destinations like Varadero and Havana, betting on existing hotel capacity and staff training to meet demand. On-the-ground Human Moment: A Cienfuegos driver returned a lost iPhone to a teen during a family medical emergency—small, but a reminder of everyday decency amid scarcity. Travel-Adjacent Air Updates: Delta and other carriers are seeking/maintaining Cuba route flexibility as demand remains weak, reflecting the ongoing aviation squeeze around the island.

U.S. Travel Rules: American, Delta, United and Southwest are asking to extend COVID-era route waivers for China and Cuba as demand stays weak, with filings covering dozens of frequencies and seeking flexibility on Cuba services. Tourism Outlook: Cuba’s tourism ministry says it’s optimistic despite pressure on the sector, pointing to large hotel capacity and plans to reorganize services to better match demand. School Costs in Cuba: A Cuban mother’s viral breakdown shows how equipping a child for school can top 30,000 pesos (and potentially 50,000), as families face shortages, power outages, and teacher gaps. Private Sector & Travel Economy: Cuba is moving ahead with policy changes that allow Cubans abroad to own private businesses, while broader travel demand continues to fall amid U.S. sanctions. Legal/Booking Dispute: A Miami jury again ruled against Cuban-American plaintiffs in an Expedia property-confiscation case, saying they failed to prove ownership. On-the-ground Travel Culture: A Cuba-themed photo essay revisits how the island shifted from a 1950s tourist magnet to an era marked by blackouts and strain.

Expedia Legal Win for Cuban Property Claims: A Miami jury ruled Expedia not liable in a “trafficking” lawsuit by Cuban-Americans over hotel reservations tied to confiscated land, saying plaintiffs failed to prove ownership. Tourism Downturn: Cuba logged 794,492 travelers in Jan–July (down 49.8%), with international visitors at 419,863 (down 37.2%), as U.S. sanctions and energy shortages keep hitting hotels and flights. Airline Capacity Cuts: Delta asked the U.S. DOT to keep most Cuba frequencies suspended for the 2026–27 winter, maintaining only the daily Miami–Havana service. Digital Government Push: Cuba is upgrading its Soberanía digital platform with UNDP and China support, adding tech and digital literacy while issuing tens of thousands of verified digital identities. Private Business Expansion: Cuba authorized Cubans abroad to own private companies on the island and loosened limits on business size and cross-province operations. School Costs and Strain: Families are spending heavily to equip students—one basic shopping list hit 34,600 pesos, nearly 11 minimum wages—while schools reopen amid shortages and unstable staffing. On-the-Ground Travel Disruptions: A Matanzas report describes families paying for private tutors as class hours and electricity problems complicate the start of term. Cuba Travel Safety/Disruption Notes: A Miami incident saw an American Airlines passenger allegedly tell a gate agent he had a bomb before a flight to Cuba, leading to arrest and felony charges.

U.S.-Cuba Travel Pressure: Cuba’s tourism keeps sliding as U.S. pressure and an energy embargo bite. ONEI data says foreign arrivals fell 62% from January–July 2026 (419,000 vs 1.1M in 2025), with hotels and private stays closing and fewer visitors across beaches and attractions. Air Access Update: Delta is seeking a DOT extension to keep most Cuba routes suspended for the 2026–27 winter season, aiming to run only the daily Miami–Havana flight while Atlanta–Havana stays off. School Travel/Logistics: Cuba’s 2026–27 school year opened Sept. 1 in Guantánamo with in-person instruction via “grouping centers” and shift schedules; officials say materials are in place, but the wider system still faces shortages. Cuba Travel Disruption Risk: A Russian aircraft maintenance firm, Ark Technic, sued Cubana de Aviación for about $6.2M and is asking for asset seizures, underscoring commercial strain in Cuba’s aviation sector. Humanitarian Arrival: The Open Arms sailboat Astral returned to Havana with over seven tons of aid, including medical supplies and hemodialysis equipment.

Cuba Tourism Shock: Cuba’s foreign visitor numbers plunged as U.S. pressure and an energy embargo bite harder—ONEI says 419,000 visitors arrived Jan–July 2026, down 62% from 2025, with hotels and private stays closing and major partners like Meliá and Iberostar suspending contracts. School-Year Strain: With fuel shortages, teacher gaps, and no uniforms, Cuba’s 1.4 million students returned to classrooms as buses stayed off and families leaned on borrowed transport after a stolen horse left one family scrambling. Travel & Payments Fallout: Expedia won a Miami jury ruling in a Helms-Burton-linked case over alleged “trafficking” in confiscated Cuban properties, after plaintiffs couldn’t prove land ownership. Diaspora Travel Reality: A Cuban migrant deported by ICE to the Central African Republic says he was told mid-flight and left without documents or a passport. Culture Beyond the Island: A Tampa event “Entre Palabras y Colores” brought Cuban art and literature to the U.S., with writer Odalys Leyva Rosabal joining.

Cuba School Reopens Under Strain: Cuba’s new school year starts for about 1.4 million students as fuel shortages keep buses off the roads, teachers are missing (a reported 27% gap), and uniforms are scarce; officials call the return a “heroic act,” while families like the Barrosoes scramble after thieves stole and killed a horse for meat. Private Help for Classrooms: In Camagüey, local private businesses are being asked to “sponsor” repairs and maintenance for dozens of schools as the state admits it can’t guarantee normal in-person learning. Sanctions Hit Tourism and Daily Life: Cuba’s UN ambassador says U.S. sanctions are blocking investment and reforms, warning they deter tourists and investors; the wider impact is showing up in travel-linked business disruptions. Cuban Tourism Under Pressure: Reports point to a tourism slump with many hotels closed and Cuba’s power grid struggling, adding more friction for visitors planning trips. Diaspora Travel Culture: A viral video claims to “spot Cubans at airports,” reflecting how travel identity and humor keep circulating online.

Cuba’s private sector expands: Cuba has authorized private businesses to run retail and restaurant chains under a single registered brand, letting micro, small and medium firms (plus cooperatives and foreign investors) open multiple locations across provinces—an effort tied to a broader 176-measure economic reform push amid shortages and power outages. Tourism pressure hits home: A viral Varadero clip showing a packed hotel and a large parking lot of private cars sparked debate over who can afford vacations as Cuba leans harder on domestic demand, with the tourism ministry opening more facilities for locals. Humanitarian aid arrives by sea: Spanish NGO Open Arms’ sailboat Astral reached Havana with about seven tons of humanitarian supplies, including medical items, powdered milk, hemodialysis equipment, and school materials for Cuban hospitals. Education scramble: In Camagüey, officials say local private businesses will “sponsor” repairs and maintenance for dozens of schools as Cuba prepares for a school year under severe shortages and blackouts. Food crisis analysis: A BBC report points to collapsing domestic production and heavy import dependence, arguing sanctions and internal agricultural failures both drive Cuba’s inability to feed itself. Travel disruption risk: Swiss-Cuban trade is shrinking as banks struggle to process payments tied to US sanctions, complicating Swiss companies’ ability to collect from Cuba.

Cuba Tourism & Legal Risk: Expedia is back in a Miami federal court fight under the Helms-Burton Act, facing a new trial over confiscated Cuban properties tied to hotels in Cayo Coco and Cienfuegos, after a prior $29.8M verdict was overturned but remains under appeal. Private Sector Expansion: Cuba has authorized private retail and restaurant chains nationwide, letting micro, small and medium businesses (plus cooperatives and foreign investors) register one brand and open multiple locations across provinces, using both pesos and foreign currency. Cuban Travel Disruption Abroad: Dozens of Cubans in Serbia say a consular computer failure left passport applications stuck for months, threatening their legal status and work permits. On-the-Ground Tourism Economy: With cruise tourism down and power shortages worsening, Havana chefs are adapting to a thinner domestic market, opening lower-cost spots as ingredients and electricity remain major hurdles. Culture & Music: Universal Music Latino is partnering with Cuban streamer YaBoyyWill to spotlight the island’s reparto scene via a new platform and series.

Cuba’s tourism crunch: Official figures say 73% of hotel facilities are closed, with about 25,000 hotel workers “available,” and seven international chains (including Meliá, Iberostar and Barceló) having stopped operations—an economic hit tied to sanctions and pressure on foreign firms. Hotel investment backlash: Critics are calling Cuba’s luxury-hotel spending a “monument to failure” after the K-23 tower (Iberostar Selection La Habana) shut with low occupancy while the power grid struggles to keep lights on. Energy and travel links: Russia says it will resume regular flights to Cuba once aviation kerosene supply is normalized, while Air Europa is still expanding Havana service despite the fuel crisis. On-the-ground hardship: Reuters reports animal shelters in Havana are running short on water, electricity, and refrigerated vaccines as blackouts worsen. Havana dining resilience: With tourist demand down, chefs are pivoting to locals—one Havana restaurant reopens with cheaper dishes after ingredient sourcing gets harder. Health and access: A Cuban doctor’s weekend coverage is being demanded by rural residents in Quintana Roo, showing how medical access gaps ripple across borders. Personal Cuba spotlight: Italian former deputy Alessandro Di Battista remains hospitalized in Havana after a serious episode in Santa Clara; repatriation waits on his condition.

Prison Visits Blocked: A father in Sancti Spíritus says he was denied a visit with his imprisoned son after a 300-kilometer trip, long wait, and being told the visit “had not been scheduled,” with coordination required through State Security in Havana. Cuba’s School Year Under Strain: Cuba’s 2026 school term starts Sept. 1 with 1.4M students and 10K+ schools, but authorities are leaning on flexible attendance, relaxed uniform rules, and extra staffing to cope with an energy crisis and teacher shortages. Tourism & Travel Pressure: Reports say U.S. moves are hitting Cuba’s tourism sector, while the U.S. also extended the Trading with the Enemy Act provisions tied to Cuba. Local Travel Disruption: In Guantánamo, fuel shortages paralyzed urban bus service during a community summer closing event, affecting transport across neighborhoods. Culture for Visitors: The Harn Museum of Art in Florida opens “Layered Lives,” featuring 60+ works by 10 Cuban women artists, running through Jan. 3, 2027. Nature Tourism Spotlight: A Cuban photographer won a top nature prize for a tocororo image shot in Topes de Collantes, boosting Cuba’s protected-area visibility.

Cuban Education & Travel Disruption: Cuba’s school year is set to start Sept. 1 with about 1.4M students (government says “more than 1.5M”), but officials admit only 73% of teaching posts are filled, uniforms won’t cover everyone, and in-person classes can’t be guaranteed amid the country’s severe power and economic crisis—expect knock-on effects for families planning trips and stays. Local Transport in Guantánamo: A fuel shortage left urban buses suspended in parts of Guantánamo during a weekend community event, with residents urged to plan travel accordingly. Tourism & Nature Spotlight: A Cuban photographer won top honors in an online nature contest with a tocororo image shot in Topes de Collantes, a reminder of Cuba’s wildlife draw for eco-travelers. Health & Safety Watch: The U.S. warns of a water crisis in Cuba and recommends storing reserves ahead of prolonged power outages.

Cuba School Start Under Strain: Cuba will open the new school year on Sept. 1 with about 1.4 million students returning, but the Education Ministry admits only 73% of teaching posts are filled, uniforms won’t cover everyone, and in-person classes can’t be guaranteed amid blackouts and shortages. Travel Safety Alert (Water + Power): The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health alert for worsening water instability tied to the electricity crisis, warning travelers to expect long water and power interruptions that can disrupt cold chains and create health risks. Tourism Pressure: Multiple reports point to a worsening economic and power crisis hitting Cuba’s tourism sector, with U.S. sanctions and infrastructure problems adding to the squeeze. Havana Sewage Complaints: A Havana writer shared photos of flooded streets and sewage mixing with potable water, sparking fresh online debate about management failures and the impact on “tourist views.”

Cuban Education Crisis: Cuba will start the new school year on Sept. 1 for about 1.4 million students, but the Education Minister admits only 73% of teaching positions are filled and uniforms won’t be available for all, with authorities saying they can’t guarantee full in-person classes amid blackouts and shortages. Travel Safety Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health warning to Americans about worsening water supply tied to the electricity crisis, urging travelers to prepare for extended outages and water disruptions that can affect cold chains and health. Havana Infrastructure Trouble: A Cuban writer’s “beautiful tourist views” post highlights sewage flooding and street collapse in Havana, underscoring the city’s ongoing sanitation breakdown. Medical Mission Blocked Payments: Cuba’s medical services commercialization company account in Italy (CSMC at BPER) has been blocked since late July, freezing transfers and disrupting doctor income flows. Tourism Pressure: A U.S. offensive is reported to be hitting Cuba’s tourism sector, adding to the strain from the broader economic and power crisis.

U.S. Sanctions Hit Cuban Tourism Hard: Major hotel groups are winding down operations in Cuba after intensifying extraterritorial pressure and fears of secondary sanctions tied to Gaesa, with Meliá fully exiting its 34 hotels by July 24. Cuban School Year Under Strain: Cuba’s Sept. 1 start goes ahead for about 1.4M students despite teacher and uniform shortages, blackouts, and a new, more flexible in-person model. Education Crisis, Human Cost: Families describe mounting stress and anxiety for children as power cuts and food insecurity worsen learning conditions. Cuban Medical Mission Funds Blocked in Italy: A key bank account used for Cuban doctors’ pay in Italy was blocked since late July, reportedly to avoid U.S. sanctions exposure. Travel Friction for Cubans Abroad: Multiple TikTok accounts show Cubans stranded or denied U.S. visas/embassy appointments despite residency ties, with paperwork hurdles trapping travelers on the island. Everyday Shortages Spread: Reuters reports worsening conditions for Cuba’s stray cats as water, electricity, and food supply tighten. Local Life Moments Go Viral: Emotional reunions and birthday gifts highlight how scarcity is reshaping what “small” items mean in 2026 Cuba. Currency Watch: The informal market closed with the dollar edging up, the euro slipping, and MLC rising—though data remains thin.

Tourism Shock: Cuba’s tourism sector is facing its worst crisis in decades as major hotel groups (including Meliá, Iberostar and Barceló) terminate management contracts and liquidate operations amid intensified US extraterritorial sanctions and secondary-sanctions fears. Hospital Convenience for Visitors: Santiago de Cuba’s Saturnino Lora Torres Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital opened “Garaje Lesli,” an on-site hygiene shop selling essentials like soap, antiseptic gel, diapers, shampoo and toilet paper—meant to keep patients and families from having to leave the facility. Exchange-Rate Watch: Cuba’s informal market closed Aug. 27 with the US dollar edging up to 670 CUP, the euro slipping to 756 CUP, and the MLC rising to about 469 CUP (with limited data). School-Year Push: Cuba expects about 1.5 million children and adolescents to start classes Sept. 1, with “flexibility” and individualized support, plus double sessions planned in some schools. Health Story With Global Reach: Activist Yamilka Lafita shared fresh photos of Amanda Lemus Ortiz in Spain, urging Cuba’s health ministry to see that her liver-transplant outcome was possible. Legal/Travel Safety Note: A Texas case resurfaced in Cuban state media involving a Cuban man accused in the US of burglary and theft, while he’s been portrayed as running a coffee business in Santiago.

School Year Update: Cuba’s Education Minister Naima Trujillo says 1.5 million children and adolescents will start classes Sept. 1, with “flexibility” and double sessions in some schools plus cultural, sports, tech, and youth programs. Health & Travel Planning: A U.S. traveler says a Cuban dementia drug, NeuralCIM, helped her family’s hope after clinical results in Cuban participants, as she plans a Sept. 15 trip to bring back a supply. Astronomy for Visitors: A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across Cuba starting Thursday 9:22 p.m., peaking around 12:12 a.m. Friday, with the Moon leaving the penumbra about 3:03 a.m. Immigration/Border Watch: Cuban influencer Kristoff Kriollo describes a tense CBP/Border Patrol stop in the Florida Keys that nearly led to detention, but was resolved quickly. Tourism Reality Check: Reports point to a tough summer for Cuban families, with blackouts, heat, and food shortages hitting daily life hard—important context for anyone planning a Cuba trip.