A young Colombian went viral —and not for good reasons— after posting a video on TikTok in which she harshly criticized her travel experience to Cuba. The words she used sparked a flood of responses, especially from Cubans, who found her statements offensive, ignorant, and derogatory.
"Over there, people are super dirty, super disgusting," said the young woman in the video. "We supposedly went to the best hotel in all of Cuba and I ended up feeding myself for a week on coconut water."
The young woman also complained about the lack of connectivity on the island, stating that "TikTok won't open," and compared the religious beliefs of Cubans to practices "from a thousand years ago," which was interpreted as a mockery of Santería, a religion with deep roots in Cuban culture.
In addition, he mentioned that he was paying a local guide $20 a day, and later discovered that this was equivalent to what the guide earns in a month, which he ultimately used as an argument to strengthen his criticism of the country's situation.
Their comments quickly ignited social media. Dozens of Cubans, both on the island and abroad, reacted with response videos. One of the most shared was from a Cuban (@lidiadiaz1994) who responded firmly, but also clearly:
"I'm surprised that you are so beautiful and yet so foolish and ignorant. Yes, there are people who eat from the trash and don't bathe every day, but that's out of necessity, not by choice. Cuba has been under dictatorship for more than 60 years."
Another user, also Cuban (@helenmenendez), replied that the issue wasn't just about recounting what she experienced, but rather how she expressed it: “She wanted to go to paradise and found herself facing a harsh reality. But that doesn't give her the right to speak that way about those who are struggling.”
Amidst the wave of criticism and negative comments, the young Colombian deleted the video from her profile and subsequently closed it and blocked access. However, it was already too late: the content had been replicated on multiple accounts and the topic continues to trend on TikTok.
The outrage was not exclusive to Cubans. Many Colombian users also condemned the statements made by their compatriot. Some even publicly apologized, insisting that his views do not represent the majority.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the type of tourism that some people engage in, the lack of empathy, and the responsibility when using social media. As one user stated: “A traveler understands. A tourist judges.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist Experience in Cuba
Why did the Colombian tourist stir outrage with her comments about Cuba?
The Colombian tourist caused outrage with her derogatory comments about the hygiene of people in Cuba and the lack of connectivity, in addition to mocking local religious beliefs. Her statements were perceived as offensive and ignorant by many Cubans, both on the island and abroad.
What is the current situation of infrastructure and services in Cuba that could affect tourism?
The infrastructure in Cuba faces serious problems, such as the accumulation of garbage, destroyed streets, and a lack of basic services like electricity and drinking water. This deterioration affects both residents and tourists who are seeking an experience beyond traditional tourist circuits.
How does tourism influence the Cuban economy and the daily life of its citizens?
Tourism in Cuba represents an important source of income, but the economic benefits do not always reach the local population. Most of the profits go to the government, while citizens face shortages of basic resources and inadequate services.
What contrast exists between the tourist experience and everyday life in Cuba?
There are significant contrasts between the tourist experience and daily life in Cuba. Tourists enjoy hotels equipped with all the comforts, while Cubans face blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, and difficult living conditions. This disparity is a source of frustration for both locals and some visitors who are aware of the situation.
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