New Economic Policy on Tourism

 

TRANSFORMACIONES ECONÓMICAS Y SOCIALES

Junio 2026

Thematic Area 17: Transformations in the tourism sector.

133. Add to the existing business models (joint ventures and management contracts)—for all tourism activities—leasing arrangements, the granting of paid usufruct rights, the concession of areas containing assets or under development in various regions of the country, and the sale of real estate (subject to case-by-case approval), applicable to foreign investors as well as Cubans residing abroad and within the national territory.

134. Include specific areas of the country in the Business Opportunities Portfolio as "Economic Development Zones," where special regulatory regimes are established.

135. Permit the application of all business models in the cays, the heritage zones of Old Havana and Trinidad, and all other tourist destinations in the country where such models benefit the sector and foreign investment is required for development.

136. Permit real estate development in all tourist zones of the country where such business activities are required. Establish the possibility of developing real estate ventures in areas of Havana and other urban centers linked to tourism activity.

137. Permit joint venture and leasing models for the negotiation of tourist marinas.

138. Approve tax and fiscal incentives for all economic actors involved in ecotourism projects and other forms of specialized tourism, with the aim of attracting foreign investment and diversifying sustainable and responsible tourism development.

139. Create an online corporate bank for the sector with international links, designed to promote virtual asset services. 37

140. Authorize car rental activities for state-owned enterprises, foreign investment entities, and non-state management entities.

141. Authorize the establishment of travel agencies by joint ventures, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and non-state management entities.

142. Authorize private tour guides and sales agents, subject to prior certification and authorization.

143. Approve a local destination manager capable of integrating all stakeholders and ensuring the efficient functioning of the mixed governance model.

144. Evaluate the imposition of a special tax or contribution to support the sustainability, promotion, and image of tourist destinations.

145. Promote Cuban franchises abroad as a means of generating revenue (Casas Cuba, Casas de Habanos, Bodeguita del Medio, Floridita, Tropicana, among others).