Cuba: Economic hardship deepens in Trinidad as tourism declines.

SHOTLIST: TRINIDAD, SANCTI SPIRITUS, CUBA (MAY 7, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF EMPTY STREETS, SHOPS AND HOUSES AS LOCAL RESIDENTS WALK AROUND 2. VARIOUS OF WIDE SHOTS OF TOWN OF TRINIDAD 3. VARIOUS OF EMPTY HOTELS AND SHOPS (NIGHT SHOTS) 4. VARIOUS OF EMPTY STREETS, SHOPS AND HOUSES AS LOCAL RESIDENTS WALK AROUND 5. CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN RAISING OF CUBAN FLAG NEXT TO STATUE OF JOSE MARTI, CUBAN NATIONAL HERO, AT LOCAL SCHOOLTRINIDAD, SANCTI SPIRITUS, CUBA - MAY 7, 2026: The picturesque town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets and colonial charm, has seen a sharp decline in visitor numbers. The downturn has left local residents, who rely almost exclusively on the tourism industry, struggling with severe economic hardship. Tourism-related businesses in this colonial town in Sancti Spiritus province, one of Cuba’s best-known destinations, have been hit as fewer visitors arrive amid fuel shortages, recurring blackouts, and transport disruptions across the country. The shortages, linked to restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba, have affected travel and daily life, adding pressure on hotels, restaurants, private guesthouses, and other businesses that rely on tourism. On Thursday Cuba strongly condemned new sanctions and restrictions imposed by the US, accusing Washington of escalating its economic blockade against the island to “extreme and unprecedented levels.” Cuba is facing a fuel crisis following a US oil embargo imposed on Jan. 30, alongside widespread power outages. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Cuba is "next" after the military operation against Iran and that the Caribbean island will fail "soon."