Experts Warn: Canadian Travel to Cuba Delayed Well Into The Year
Recent advisories have placed Canadian travel to Cuba in a precarious position. The Canadian federal government has upgraded its travel warning for the Caribbean island, discouraging non-essential travel amid fuel shortages exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.
Travel Cancellations and Suspension of Services
Barbara Stewart, a 75-year-old Toronto resident, recently faced the cancellation of her 12-day trip to Cuba. This tour was set to include visits to iconic sites, including a ballet school in Havana and local tobacco farms. Ms. Stewart expressed concern, stating, “the situation for the foreseeable future looks very grim.”
Major airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have suspended flights to Cuba until late April. Air Canada will focus on bringing home approximately 3,000 Canadians currently stranded in Cuba. The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) predicts that disruptions may continue well into 2026.
Impacts on Travelers
As the winter travel season concludes, uncertainties loom over spring break holidays, summer weddings, and other bookings. Richard Smart, TICO’s CEO, stated, “I really don’t expect things to get better in Cuba after May 1.”
- Approximately 6,000 Canadians are still in Cuba, facing shortages of basic necessities.
- Hotels are consolidating guests to manage resources effectively.
- Available alternatives to Cuba are now significantly more expensive, with comparable packages starting from $1,800 per person.
Changing Costs and Future Bookings
Travelers previously enjoyed affordable vacations in Cuba, with many packages averaging around $1,200. However, options like the Dominican Republic have risen sharply to around $2,100. Ms. Stewart’s initial flight cost was $759, but rescheduling has resulted in higher airfare to Europe.
Despite cancellations, data indicates that scheduled flights between Canada and Cuba increased by approximately 12-13% for the upcoming summer months. Martin Firestone, a travel insurance specialist, warned potential travelers of the risks associated with booking trips under the current Level 3 travel advisory.
Consumer Protections in Ontario
Travelers with existing bookings have specific protections. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have robust consumer protection laws that entitle travelers to a refund or alternative arrangements if a TICO-registered supplier cancels a vacation package. Mr. Smart highlighted that customers should expect automatic full refunds for trips canceled between early February and April.
In conclusion, while Canadian travel to Cuba faces significant delays, ongoing consumer protections may provide some relief for stranded travelers. As conditions develop, many Canadians eagerly await the resumption of flights back to this once-popular travel destination.
