What is Paul RYKEN's take on the impact of tourism in Cuba?

The embargo and tightened sanctions hit regular people hardest: casa owners, drivers, guides, paladar (private restaurant) owners, families relying on remittances. With foreign cards often not working and many online platforms blocking payments, direct spending by visitors in cash (EUR or USD) is one of the few lifelines into the local economy.

Because tourist numbers are low, there’s no overtourism – instead, many private businesses are struggling for guests. Staying in casas, eating at paladares, using local drivers and guides, and paying fairly (and in hard currency) can make a noticeable difference to individual households.

The key, in my view, is to visit as a respectful, informed traveller: understand the economic context, avoid state-run restaurants and exchange houses when possible, and channel as much of your spending as you can directly to Cuban families, not intermediaries.

Would you like some concrete examples of how to structure a Cuba trip to maximise positive impact on locals?