Marco Rubio threatens to reshape U.S. policy on Cuba if appointed secretary of state
- Cuba's tourism industry is struggling due to power outages and economic challenges.
- Sunwings Vacations has removed hotels from its Cuba portfolio following a nationwide blackout.
- The expected confirmation of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State raises concerns about increased sanctions on Cuba.
Cuba has been facing significant challenges recently, particularly with its tourism sector, which has been adversely affected by power shortages. In October 2023, a nationwide blackout lasted four days, compounded by Hurricane Rafael causing further cuts to electricity. As a result, the Canadian travel operator Sunwings Vacations Group removed several hotels from its Cuba portfolio, as nearly one million Canadians had visited Cuba in the previous year. The situation is exacerbated by the expected return of Donald Trump to the presidency, alongside Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, who has historically advocated for stricter sanctions against Cuba. Such policies may include increasing travel restrictions and potentially halting commercial flights to the island, further harming Cuba's already fragile economy.