Dominicana responds to criticism after sharing her experience in Cuba.

A young Dominican, known on TikTok as @gerz.rd, recently shared a video on the platform where she showcased her experience as a tourist in Cuba.

Throughout his journey, he traveled to Havana, Cayo Santa María, and Varadero, describing his stay on the island as "a cultural experience that you cannot miss."

However, the account of his visit has caused a wave of criticism and negative comments.

In his video, @gerz.rd showcased his tourist journey, highlighting details such as his stay in hotels, the quality of the beaches, or the excursions in classic cars through Havana.

"We realized that eating these types of dishes in Cuba is a privilege, as there is a lot of food scarcity," said the TikToker, referencing the situation in the country, which did not prevent many users from questioning her view of the country and the focus of the trip, which they deemed superficial and lacking empathy for the situation that Cubans face.

He also highlighted the hotel where he stayed in the Cuban capital, which he described as "very comfortable and with a spectacular view." He also praised the "ingenuity" of the Cubans regarding transportation "as they make their own bike taxis and use the cart."

Among the hundreds of comments the video has received, which also included expressions of support, there are harsh criticisms regarding his decision to travel to Cuba, and for showcasing the tourist side rather than the reality that Cubans face.

"Not at all, if you go and live like the people, you will see what poverty and pain are," commented one user, while another pointed out: "You romanticize Cuba, but you do not show what the people suffer."

"I wouldn't have the moral to go vacationing in a dictatorship"; "I do not support what that government does to its people, and by doing so, I would be supporting it indirectly," others told him.

"I wouldn’t go to Cuba because I don’t support what that government does to its people, and with that I would be indirectly supporting it and not the people who are in absolute misery," reacted another, to which she did not hesitate to respond, "To the government? Are you saying that all those people who work in hotels, restaurants, and excursions don’t count as the population? Does the tip go to the government or to the person you are giving it to?"

In response to the attacks, @gerz.rd reacted in the comments. "It's a shame that a video meant to highlight the beauty of Cuba gets filled with offensive comments. Tourism is a way to contribute to the development of the country," he said in his words, adding that he had brought "medicine and utensils to donate." "To every person we could, we gave tips, and in a large proportion. Before judging, they should think about it a bit," he added.

The reactions to his video, which continue to grow, reflect the division of opinions regarding tourism in Cuba, as while some see the act of traveling as a way to help the local economy, others consider it complicity with the rulers, a façade before the world, and a way to oxygenate the regime that has plunged the people into absolute precariousness.