Leasing, usufruct agreements, and real estate transactions represent the newest business models recently made available within Cuba’s tourism sector. Driven by 176 newly approved structural transformations, the island nation has initiated a more open, competitive, and diverse landscape for the sector—offering fresh opportunities to explore investment, business, and collaborative ventures.

Through its social media platforms, Gran Caribe Hoteles synthesized key information for parties interested in exploring opportunities for foreign investment, Cuban expatriates, and private domestic capital in destinations such as Old Havana, Trinidad, and the country's keys.

The hotel group noted that private travel agencies, car rental operations, and independent tour guide services have also received official authorization, alongside tax incentives for ecoturism initiatives. Furthermore, Cuban franchises abroad are rapidly becoming a operational reality.

Regarding specific structural changes, extra-hotel investment rules have expanded surface rights up to 99 years and usufruct rights to over 50 years. In foreign trade, private enterprises and cooperatives are now permitted to directly engage in import and export activities. Within banking and finance, an online corporate bank dedicated to the sector with international links is set to be established.

Open Access for New Market Actors

Additionally, the spectrum of entities eligible to provide direct tourism services has broadened substantially. Car rentals are now authorized for state-owned enterprises, foreign investments, and non-state business entities. Travel agencies may now be established by joint ventures, 100% foreign-owned firms, or the non-state sector. Independent tour guides and sales agents may operate subject to prior certification and authorization.

Overall, the overarching strategy aims to position the "Cuba brand" globally, heavily leveraging Cuban franchises abroad as a vehicle for revenue generation and international presence. Notable examples of these flagship concepts include Casas Cuba, Casas del Habano, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita, and Tropicana, among others.

The approved tax incentives create new stimuli and enhance coordination across the sector, particularly in driving ecotourism and specialized tourism projects. Furthermore, the official role of a "local destination manager" has been approved to integrate all stakeholders and ensure efficient mixed governance. Authorities will also evaluate a special tax or contribution dedicated to destination sustainability and promotion.

Tourism Expansion

Among the measures targeted at tourism expansion is the decentralization of tourism development to empower regions across the entire country, alongside the designation of Special Economic Development Zones with preferential regulatory regimes within the investment portfolio.

Similarly, real estate development tied to tourism has been authorized in Havana and other urban centers across the nation.

The pathways for doing business in the sector have significantly widened. Beyond traditional joint ventures and management contracts, operations can now proceed through the leasing of tourist facilities, onerous usufruct rights over land or assets, property buy-and-sell agreements (approved on a "case-by-case" basis), and direct investments by foreign entities, overseas Cubans, and domestic citizens.