Mayte Suarez Rueda, director of the Cuba Tourist Office in London, has insisted Cuba's tourism industry is continuing to operate despite a US blockade on fuel imports, which has resulted in shortages and power outages.

Cuba is consolidating hotel stays, but Rueda claims all facilities remaining in use can fully guarantee "established service standards", adding: "The essence and authenticity of the Cuba experience remain intact." She has also thanked agents for their loyalty and support.

The message comes a fortnight after the FCDO advised against all but essential travel to Cuba, warning that transport and tourism operations, including flights, could be affected by the fuel shortages.

'Potential to deteriorate quickly'

On Wednesday (25 February), the FCDO strengthened its travel advice. "Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent power outages across the country and fuel shortages. These conditions are significantly affecting the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications and basic services.

"Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations to conserve severely limited energy supplies."

The FCDO, citing "Cuban authorities", said all of the country's international airports had run out of aviation fuel, adding some airlines are reviewing their routes or suspended flights entirely. "This limits your options to leave the country," the updated advice continues.

"The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed.

"If you are considering leaving Cuba, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel."

It adds: "If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption."

'Safe, welcoming and vibrant'

Rueda the country has implemented "a temporary consolidation of select hotel facilities", describing it as a "responsible, dynamic management measure" in response to fluctuations in demand.

"All facilities that remain in operation fully guarantee established service standards, including excellence in gastronomy, hospitality and customer care," she continued. "Across our destinations, non-hotel offering remains active and has been enhanced with excursions, touring programs, cultural experiences, entertainment, and other activities designed to ensure a memorable stay. The essence and authenticity of the Cuba experience remain intact."

Addressing the trade, she added: "We appreciate the loyalty and support of our tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, partners and all travellers who continue to trust Cuba. We recognise and value your solidarity.

"Cuba remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant destination, and [we] reaffirm its commitment and dedication to extending our full hospitality to every guest."

'Cuba cannot go on like this'

Writing for TTG earlier this month after the FCDO cautioned against all but essential travel to Cuba, former owner and director of specialist tour operator Captivating Cuba Matthew O'Sullivan said a resolution on Cuba was both vital and inevitable.

"It has unquestionably been a very turbulent few years for Cuba," said O'Sullivan. "However, it seems very likely some sort of change and a journey back to stability – and indeed tourism growth – is just around the corner.

"The local population cannot continue like this. It's reaching a tipping point with the US seeking change throughout the western hemisphere. Cuba is a key issue to solve. So I sense change perhaps coming more quickly than we might expect.