Several Russian tourists recently expressed their discomfort on social media regarding the bites from sand flies during their stay at hotels and beaches in Cuba.
According to testimonies, the bites from these small insects are initially not felt, but hours later they cause intense itching and the appearance of red welts on the skin.
In some cases, symptoms do not improve with common antihistamines, which has raised concerns among visitors, reported RATA-News.
Cristina León, the tourism advisor at the Cuban embassy in Russia, explained that these insects, also known as sandflies, are common in tropical countries like Cuba, particularly during the hottest and most humid months.
"They do not pose a significant danger, although some people may experience allergic reactions. This should not discourage tourists from visiting beaches like Varadero, recognized among the best in the world," León stated.
Lada Popelo, director of the tourism agency "Caribbean Club," explained that the gnats are more active between May and November, coinciding with the rainy season.
These tiny insects usually attack at dusk in open spaces like beaches, pools, and restaurant terraces, and they are difficult to detect due to their size.
Although bites can cause significant discomfort, Popelo emphasized that there are no serious risks, except in cases of severe allergies.
Additionally, it was recommended to use specific repellents for these insects and to wear clothing that covers the skin at nightfall.
He also advised bringing antihistamines and soothing ointments like Fenistil or "Estrella" balm, which are effective products for relieving itching.
However, some experts believe that the complaints have been exaggerated. Alekhan Mkrtchian, director of the "Elefante Rosa" agency network, stated that of the 8,000 to 10,000 Russian tourists currently vacationing in Cuba, only one notable case of discomfort due to gnats has been reported.
"This seems to be an isolated allergic reaction. There are more serious issues in Cuba, such as the lack of electricity, fuel, and the limited quality of food in hotels," he noted.
Despite the reported inconveniences, Cuba continues to be a popular destination for Russians. Between January and August 2024, the island welcomed over 133,000 Russian tourists, marking a 125% increase compared to the same period the previous year, according to RATA-News.
Russia ranks third among the countries sending tourists to Cuba, following Canada and Cubans living abroad.
The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba expects to welcome over 200,000 Russian tourists by the end of the year, reinforcing its appeal despite minor inconveniences that may arise.
Alongside Russia, Portugal stands out as another source market for tourists that has seen a modest increase amid the chronic crisis facing the tourism industry in Cuba.
The island is facing one of its greatest downturns in this sector, marked by a dramatic decrease in international visitors from key markets such as North America, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
According to data from the portal Travel And Tour World, from January to October 2024, tourist arrivals in Cuba decreased by 48.23% compared to 2019, the last year before the pandemic.
This decline has severely impacted the sector's revenue, which fell from generating 3.185 billion dollars in 2019 to just 1.216 billion in 2023, a reduction of 61.82%.
American tourists, who constituted a significant portion of the industry in 2019, dropped from 452,835 to 118,038 in 2024, marking a decrease of 73.93%.
Europe was not left out: Spain, Germany, and other traditional markets also reported significantly lower figures.
Tourism from Latin America also declined dramatically, with fewer arrivals from Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
Recently, Cuban economist Pedro Monreal criticized the recent statements made by Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda and the Cuban regime's focus on prioritizing investments in the tourism sector.
In a strong tweet, Monreal accused the government of "outrageous lying" while attempting to justify an investment policy that, according to him, has neglected critical areas such as food security, infrastructure, and basic services.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Cuba and Mosquitoes
Why are the no-see-ums in Cuba a problem for tourists?
Jejenes are common insects in tropical regions like Cuba, especially active between May and November. Their bites can cause intense itching and blisters that are not always relieved by over-the-counter antihistamines, leading to significant discomfort for tourists.
What measures can be taken to prevent bites from midges?
To avoid bug bites, it is recommended to use specific repellents, wear clothing that covers the skin at sunset, and apply soothing ointments like Fenistil to relieve itching. These measures help minimize discomfort during your stay in Cuba.
What are the biggest challenges for tourism in Cuba today?
In addition to the bites from sand flies, tourism in Cuba faces significant challenges such as shortages of electricity and fuel, as well as the limited quality of food in hotels. These issues, along with the epidemiological crisis caused by diseases like the Oropouche virus, have severely impacted the country's tourism industry.
How does the energy crisis affect tourists in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to frequent blackouts, affecting the experience of tourists. Although the Cuban government has prioritized the use of generators in hotels to mitigate the impact, the lack of electricity and fuel can result in inconveniences during their stay.
Filed under: