Agents Weigh in on Travel to Cuba Amid New Government Advisory

The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for Cuba to yellow, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution as the country continues to grapple with ongoing shortages. The move has prompted mixed reactions from travel advisors over whether Cuba remains a suitable vacation option for clients.

The government alert is due to “worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate, disrupting flight availability on short notice.”

On Wednesday, Travel Market Report Canada shared its story in the Canadian Travel Professional Facebook group, about the Ministerio de Turismo de Cuba, which says the destination remains “safe and stable” for Canadian visitors. At the same time, the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto is pushing back against recent media reports it says overstate the severity of the situation on the island.

In response, advisors are weighing in on whether it’s a smart decision to send their clients to Cuba. Travel advisors are approaching Cuba with a mix of caution, confidence, and careful client qualification following the Canadian government’s updated advisory. While some agents report cancellations and are holding off on new bookings, particularly for first-time or risk-averse travellers, many continue to sell the destination selectively, emphasizing realistic expectations, strong resort brands, and preparedness for potential shortages or power disruptions.

Many advisors noted that experiences in Cuba can vary greatly based on resort choice and timing, reinforcing the need for careful vetting and informed recommendations.

“It is hit and miss,” wrote Heather Laing Folkins, who said she still sells Cuba but refuses to “sugar coat what may be,” noting that even good resorts can experience outages or shortages depending on the week.

Others echoed that experiences remain largely positive when clients are booked into well-managed properties.

“I have over 50 clients there right now and none are reporting any issues at all,” said Martino The Travel Guy,” adding that he sticks to brands like Melia, Royalton, and Iberostar.

Brenda Slater agreed, advising clients to choose reputable resorts, while acknowledging ongoing challenges on the island. “I’d like to add that their economy is hugely dependent on Canadian tourism as the main source of revenue, especially for the people who work in the tourism industry. Without our support, it would be devastating for their communities that need our support.”

At the same time, some advisors are stepping back altogether.

“The majority of my bookings have cancelled or moved locations,” said Brea Hindy. “As such, I’m not booking any more for this season unless it’s for seasoned Cuba travellers who also get insurance.”

Still, some are raving about the country and can’t wait to get back.

“I’ve had clients in January as well, first time to Cuba and they said it won’t be their last. Very mixed messages indeed!,” wrote Sabrina Binny-Mantal.

As of earlier this month, Canada remains a key market for Cuban tourism. Cuba ranks sixth among international destinations for Canadians, with more than 300,000 airline seats scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 alone.