Canadians dreaming of white-sand beaches and winter escapes to Cuba may need to rethink their travel plans.
What to know
- The companies had previously planned to resume Cuba service in October after a temporary summer pause.
- Travellers with existing bookings will be contacted directly and offered a refund or the option to rebook another destination.
- The suspension, as first reported by CP24 and CTV News, comes amid growing challenges for Cuba’s tourism industry, including economic pressures and the departure of several international hotel operators.
- The move follows a similar decision by Air Canada Vacations, which has also postponed its return to Cuba until further notice.
Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations have indefinitely suspended trips to the Caribbean island, extending what was originally supposed to be a temporary pause through the summer, according to CTV News and CP24.
The decision affects all Cuba operations under Sunwing Vacations Group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Québec. The company said the suspension will remain in place “until further notice.”
For many Canadians, Cuba has long been one of the most affordable and accessible vacation destinations. Year after year, travellers have flocked to the island’s resorts, beaches and historic cities. That’s why the latest announcement is likely to come as disappointing news for both tourists and the communities that rely on them.
In a statement, Sunwing acknowledged the strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people.
“We recognize this news may be disappointing,” the company said, adding that its thoughts are with tourism workers, local communities and industry partners affected by the decision.
The move comes as Cuba’s tourism industry faces growing challenges. Several international hotel operators have recently exited the country, while economic pressures and U.S. measures targeting Cuba’s tourism sector continue to create uncertainty.
Travellers with existing bookings won’t be left in the dark. Sunwing says affected customers will be contacted directly and offered the choice of rebooking to another destination or receiving a full refund.
The announcement also follows a similar decision by Air Canada Vacations, which recently postponed its return to Cuba until further notice.
For now, one of Canada’s favourite winter getaway destinations remains off the itinerary.
