10/09/2026
🇨🇺📍A significant regulatory shift is taking place in Cuba’s tourism industry.
On September 3, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba No. 73 published a new package of regulations implementing part of the government’s broader economic reform program.
The measures include greater flexibility for certain Cuban investors and joint ventures to operate foreign bank accounts, changes to the way foreign companies can hire employees in Cuba, and new opportunities for private-sector participation in tourism and other economic activities.
For the tourism industry, one of the most consequential changes is the new regulatory framework allowing the private creation of travel agencies.
The regulations recognize four categories: retail travel agencies, wholesale agencies, retail-and-wholesale agencies, and online travel agencies.
This creates, for the first time, a formal legal framework for private Cuban businesses to operate as travel agencies.
The implications could be significant. Private agencies will be able to develop and commercialize tourism products, organize excursions and travel experiences, coordinate accommodation and other tourism services, and work with tourism transportation providers.
At the same time, the regulatory changes recognize self-employed tour guides, creating a legal space for independent professionals with specialized knowledge of Cuba’s destinations, culture, history and local communities.
There are still important questions regarding implementation, licensing, taxation, international payments, access to suppliers and the practical relationship between private agencies and existing state tourism entities.
The door has opened. The next question is how wide it will become.
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📄 READ THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF CUBA (Spanish Language)
https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.cu/sites/default/files/goc-2026-o73_0.pdf?
📰 READ THE REUTERS REPORT
- https://www.reuters.com/world/cuba-rolls-out-more-free-market-reforms-amid-us-pressure-2026-09-03/