Agency suggests "demanding" Canadian tourists bring ketchup and peanut butter when traveling to Cuba

The director of the travel agency Caribe Sol, linked to the Cuban regime, advised Canadian tourists to bring ketchup and peanut butter due to shortages in Cuba.

Turismo en Cuba (Imagen de referencia) © Flickr/CiberCuba
Tourism in Cuba (Reference Image)Photo © Flickr/CiberCuba

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Danièle Frappier, the sales director of Caribe Sol, a travel agency in Canada connected to the Cuban state system, advised Canadian tourists planning to visit Cuba to pack items such as ketchup and peanut butter.

Frappier offered recommendations on how to deal with the limitations that may be encountered in the island's resorts, which are affected by supply issues of essential goods, as reported by Narcity.

Limitations, according to Frappier, should not deter tourists, who can find ways to adapt to the situation.

"Someone who absolutely wants their peanut butter in the morning or their ketchup with fries might find that sometimes these items are unavailable. But it's not complicated: they can bring them in their luggage," he reiterated, normalizing what for many may seem like a minor inconvenience, but which reflects the structural challenges facing the country.

According to her, tourists who have specific expectations about the products available at hotels should embrace some flexibility and take precautions.

"Someone who is truly inflexible and seeks a five-star experience with no compromises and high-end cuisine is not the ideal customer for Cuba, that's for sure," he added, emphasizing that those looking for luxury experiences might feel disappointed.

The recommendation to pack essential items in luggage highlights the challenges faced even by tourist resorts, which are generally seen as privileged spaces compared to the situation of the rest of the population.

Although hotel chains like Meliá have implemented solutions, such as creating import companies to ensure supply, Frappier acknowledged that there are products that are simply not available.

Although some still view Cuba as an appealing tourist destination, the current conditions on the island have led travel experts to recommend that visitors take certain precautions before planning their vacations.

The recent widespread blackouts and the ongoing scarcity of basic goods are factors to consider for those looking to enjoy their paradise beaches and all-inclusive packages, emphasized the travel website Silo 57.

In less than two months, Cuba experienced its third widespread blackout at the beginning of December, prompting Geneviève Bergeron from Voyages AZZA to recommend portable batteries to mitigate the power interruptions.

For her part, Josée Tougas from Voyages des Laurentides suggests choosing more modern hotels, as they typically have electric generators.

Transat also assures that most of the hotels in its portfolio are equipped with generators and that those located in cays such as Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa María have their own power plants, ensuring a stable energy supply.

The ongoing shortage of basic goods in Cuba has led Bergeron to suggest that travelers prepare by bringing non-perishable snacks, such as peanut butter, energy bars, and essential medications.

According to Silo 57, some hotel chains, such as Meliá, have established import companies to ensure supply for their hotels, while Sunwing has eliminated resorts that do not meet minimum quality standards.

Although the situation presents challenges, travel agencies emphasize that with proper preparation, Cuba remains a destination worth visiting: “Tourists are aware of the difficulties, but they still choose Cuba for its beaches and the warmth of its people,” explains Tougas.

Recently, the German government issued an official warning to its citizens planning to travel to Cuba due to frequent blackouts that severely impact daily life on the island.

The alert, published by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website, highlighted the challenges arising from the energy crisis and recommends carefully assessing the need to travel to the country under the current conditions.

Considered one of the driving forces of the Cuban economy, tourism will continue its decline in 2025, as confirmed by the Cuban regime this Monday.

Official projections indicate that next year will be even worse than 2024, with an estimated 2.6 million international tourists, which is 100,000 less than the already unmet target for this year, according to the EFE news agency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba Today

Why is it recommended to bring ketchup and peanut butter when traveling to Cuba?

The recommendation to bring ketchup and peanut butter is due to the shortage of basic products in resorts and hotels in Cuba. Tourists with specific preferences should be prepared for the lack of certain items on the island.

How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect tourists?

The energy crisis in Cuba is causing prolonged blackouts that impact the quality of tourists' stay, forcing them to cope with a lack of air conditioning, fans, and difficulties in preserving food. The blackouts make the tourist experience uncomfortable and unpredictable.

What measures are hotels in Cuba taking to address the shortage of products?

Some hotel chains, such as Meliá, have established importing companies to ensure the supply of food and other essential products in their facilities, reflecting the challenges of the local market in adequately meeting their needs.

What precautions should Canadian tourists take when traveling to Cuba?

Canadian tourists should be prepared for power outages and bring essential items like portable batteries and non-perishable snacks. It is also advisable to check travel advisories and stay informed about the current conditions on the island.

How is the tourism crisis affecting the Cuban economy?

The tourism crisis in Cuba is contributing to the country's economic decline, as tourism is a key driver of its economy. The decrease in tourist arrivals and the current challenging conditions are seriously impacting the economic forecasts of the Cuban regime.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current events in Cuba and global issues. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and global issues. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.