On Saturday, January 25, a tour of the main tourist areas of Old Havana revealed an alarming reality: deserted streets, empty shops, and a city that seems to have been abandoned, even during the peak season of tourism in Cuba.
The video shows a desolate landscape that contrasts sharply with the years when the Cuban capital was a magnet for visitors from all over the world. Despite claims from the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) about a supposed resurgence in tourism, the reality tells a different story.
"They are blatantly lying, and the only ones being deceived are themselves," commented an internet user upon seeing the images. This remark reflects the widespread sentiment among many Cubans who observe how the millions invested in hotels and tourism projects fail to alleviate a crisis that is now undeniable.
Old Havana, renowned for its colonial architecture, used to be filled with tourists. However, today it is almost a ghost town.
“God, total desolation, no tourists or Cubans, ghost town, an incredibly sad reality,” lamented another user. The streets that once echoed with the hustle and bustle of visitors and street vendors are now marked by a lack of life, the deterioration of buildings, and a lack of basic maintenance.
Some may wonder, "Why would anyone want to visit Cuba in its current state?" The citizens' comments are striking: "What to see? Garbage, stench, mistreatment, crumbling buildings."
Another user adds: “Who is going to Cuba to witness such misery?”. These opinions reflect the disillusionment of a population that watches helplessly as one of the key sectors of the economy declines, to which the regime continues to allocate disproportionate resources.
It is ironic that while tourism is dwindling, the government continues to prioritize large hotel projects that do not meet their goals. As one commentator pointed out, "It's incredible, right in the middle of peak season." Old Havana, which once was a living postcard, is now far from that.
The perception of Cubans about their country as a tourist destination is discouraging: “Every time I go, Cuba becomes sadder.” Old Havana, which once was synonymous with life and culture, now reflects the harsh reality of a country in crisis.
Crisis in Tourism in Cuba
The tourism in Cuba continues to undergo a deep crisis. According to a report from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) published at the end of 2024, the country received 2.7 million visitors, falling short of official projections and reflecting a decrease of 137,047 travelers compared to 2023.
Among the most affected source markets were Canada, Spain, and Italy, while Mexico and Russia showed slight increases that did not compensate for the overall decline.
Despite these concerning figures, the Cuban government continues to pursue its strategy of investing in the tourism sector, with initiatives such as the construction of the Torre K-23 Hotel, the tallest building in the country, which is scheduled to open in January 2025.
This project, valued at over 200 million dollars, has faced strong criticism for being prioritized amidst an economic crisis that profoundly affects the basic services of the population.
Similarly, the MGM Muthu hotel in Havana is promoted as a "luxury refuge," while the opening of a supermarket in dollars on its premises has sparked social discontent due to its inaccessibility for most Cubans.
The beginning of 2025 was also marked by the arrival of a batch of new buses for tourist transport, intended for routes to Varadero, Havana, and the Keys. However, this decision was heavily criticized, as the public transport on the island is facing a severe crisis with an urban fleet in ruins and a lack of fuel in the provinces.
Meanwhile, airlines like Edelweiss announced the suspension of flights to Havana, shifting their operations to destinations like Varadero and the Keys, which account for most of the tourism that still arrives on the island.
In this context, tourism in Cuba is not only facing a slow recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a shift in demand dynamics, with many tourists avoiding the island due to infrastructure issues, constant power outages, and a declining perception of safety.
Although the government estimates receiving 2.6 million international visitors in 2025, this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels and highlights the need to rethink the country's tourism strategy.
Frequently asked questions about the tourism crisis in Old Havana
Why are the tourist areas of Old Havana deserted?
The tourist areas of Old Havana are desolate due to the deep economic crisis that Cuba is facing, despite being in the midst of high tourist season. Additionally, the negative perception from visitors and the lack of adequate infrastructure further discourages the arrival of tourists.
What are the causes of the tourism crisis in Cuba?
The tourism crisis in Cuba is attributed to several factors, including the lack of maintenance in tourist areas, the deterioration of urban infrastructure, frequent power outages, and a perception of insecurity. Furthermore, the regime's inability to provide basic services and attractions for visitors also contributes to this situation. The millions invested in new hotels have not managed to offset the lack of tourists, highlighting a poor approach in the country's tourism strategy.
What impact does the construction of luxury hotels have on the economic situation in Cuba?
The construction of luxury hotels in Cuba, such as the Hotel Torre K-23, has faced strong criticism for prioritizing high-end tourism while the local population faces shortages of basic resources. These investments are seen as a disconnection between the government's priorities and the urgent needs of citizens, who are suffering from power outages, food scarcity, and the deterioration of public services.
How do Cubans perceive the current situation of Havana as a tourist destination?
Cubans perceive Havana as a declining city, marked by misery and the neglect of its infrastructures. The city's former vitality and beauty have been lost, and many citizens feel that investments in tourism do not benefit the people but rather worsen inequalities and social discontent.
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