Cuba is making a significant move to revive its struggling tourism industry, opening the door to foreign investment, private hotel ownership and greater participation by independent businesses. But will these changes be enough to bring tourists and investors back to the island?

That's the question being examined by Dr. Paolo Spadoni, associate professor of political science at Augusta University, in a recent Travel Weekly article titled Experts laud Cuba reforms but don't see quick travel rebound, published Oct. 26.

The reforms would allow hotels to become fully foreign-owned and private businesses to operate travel agencies, tour companies and car rental services. While the changes represent a departure from Cuba's traditionally state-controlled tourism model, Spadoni cautions that the economic and political environment remains a major obstacle.

Paolo Spadoni, a recognized authority on Cuba's political economy and co-author of the 2025 book The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects, told Travel Weekly that the reforms are necessary but arrive at a particularly difficult moment.

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They want to change the model, which is, I think, a good thing to do, but the conditions are not there now to actually reap the benefits,” Spadoni told Travel Weekly.

He also warned that attracting substantial foreign investment remains unlikely under current conditions, pointing to the departure of international hotel operators, declining visitor numbers and continuing U.S. economic restrictions.

Spadoni noted that U.S. tourist arrivals between January and August were just 9.9% of their levels during the same period in 2019. He also explained that Cuba's state-controlled tourism model was showing signs of exhaustion even before the pandemic.

His analysis raises important questions about the future of one of Cuba's most important industries, the potential for private-sector growth and whether economic reforms can succeed without broader changes in U.S.-Cuba relations.

For journalists covering international tourism, foreign investment, economic reform or U.S.-Cuba relations, Dr. Spadoni offers timely insight into the challenges facing Cuba and what it will take to rebuild its tourism economy.

An internationally recognized expert on Cuba, Spadoni specializes in Latin American political economies, international relations, foreign investment and U.S.-Cuba relations.

To arrange an interview or connect with Dr. Paolo Spadoni, visit his ExpertFile profile below.