German football legend Lothar Matthäus on vacation in Cuba

Lothar Matthäus visited Cuba and participated in a daiquiri class at Floridita. Tourism on the island faces challenges due to poor service quality and a lack of resources.

Lothar Matthaus at El FloriditaPhoto © Facebook / Ministry of Tourism, Cuba

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The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba took advantage of the visit of the legendary former German footballer, Lothar Matthäus, a World Cup champion and Ballon d'Or winner, to promote its facilities on the island.

According to a publication from the entity on Facebook, the former athlete visited the iconic Bar-Restaurant Floridita, where "he immersed himself in a unique experience with a master class on the preparation of the authentic daiquirí, guided by the masters of this iconic bar."

That outlet of the Cuban regime indicated in its post that the visit of the former soccer player reflects a growing interest in Cuba as an international tourist destination.

Facebook post

However, the regime's forecasts have fallen short in recent years.

The sector is struggling to meet its goals due to the low quality of services, the scarcity of food and fuel, the power outages that also affect tourist facilities, as well as the issues with mosquitoes and sandflies, and the problems related to currency exchange, all of which contribute to a negative experience for many.

A user recalled in the comments on the post that the last time they went, "I had a reservation for dinner but I went to the bathroom and it was horrible; the young lady attending to it told me they had been without water all day. Of course, I canceled the reservation. That was about 8 or 9 years ago. I imagine it hasn't improved. The Daiquiri was very expensive but very good," they noted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Cuba and the Visit of Lothar Matthäus

Why did Lothar Matthäus visit Cuba?

Lothar Matthäus visited Cuba as part of his vacation. During his stay, he participated in tourist activities promoted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba, such as a masterclass at the Bar-Restaurant Floridita. This visit was used by the Cuban regime to attempt to project a positive image of tourism on the island, despite the well-known difficulties the sector faces.

What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba?

Tourism in Cuba faces serious challenges due to shortages of food, fuel, and energy issues affecting tourist facilities. The Cuban regime has failed to meet its visitor goals, and tourists are experiencing power outages and a lack of basic services. Furthermore, there are criticisms regarding the privatization of beaches for certain tourists, such as Germans in Varadero, which contradicts the official narrative of public access.

What do tourists think about the quality of service in Cuba?

Tourists have expressed criticisms regarding the quality of service in Cuba, mentioning issues such as deteriorated facilities and a lack of basic products. Some tourists have suggested bringing essential items from their home country due to the scarcity in Cuban markets. These conditions negatively impact the tourist experience on the island.

How is the exclusivity of beaches affecting the image of Cuba?

The creation of exclusive beach areas for certain tourists, such as Germans in Varadero, has generated criticism. This measure contradicts the Cuban regime's historical policies regarding public access to beaches, leading to questions about the management of these natural spaces and the impact on the local population.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.