In the midst of the fourth general blackout in Cuba in less than six months, the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) assured that the country's tourism system has a solid energy backup that ensures the continuous operation of hotels, non-hotel facilities, and associated services.
The statement from the state entity led by Juan Carlos García Granda sparked outrage among Cubans, who highlighted the precarious state of electricity services on the island while authorities prioritize the needs of international tourism.
"At around 8:15 PM, the National Electric System experienced a failure due to a high fluctuation in the system, and efforts are underway to restore it. The Cuban tourism system has a solid energy backup that ensures the continuous operation of hotels, extra-hotel facilities, and associated services. We remain committed to serving our clients," stated MINTUR on its social media.
However, images and videos shared on social media have refuted the claims made by MINTUR, showing how some of the island's main hotels, including the iconic Hotel Nacional, were left completely in the dark during the blackout.
In a video posted on Facebook, the iconic installation without electricity can be seen, contradicting the alleged reliability of the energy backup in the tourism sector. This situation has reinforced the perception of improvisation and lack of foresight in the management of the electrical system, affecting both the local population and foreign visitors.
Since Friday night, a large part of the Cuban population remains without electricity following the total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). According to official data, the current generation is only 110 megawatts (MW), which is insufficient to meet a demand that can reach 1,800 MW during the day and more than 3,200 at night.
Despite the collapse of the SEN, the MINTUR has emphasized that the tourism sector is operating normally, thanks to investments in backup power plants for hotels and other recreational facilities.
This disparity has fueled discontent, as it contrasts with the reality of thousands of Cubans who rely on a collapsed electrical system and constant blackouts that impact their quality of life.
The Cuban regime has defended its strategy of prioritizing tourism as a key source of income amid the economic crisis, but citizens question the allocation of resources to ensure the comfort of foreign visitors while the population suffers prolonged power outages. "Hotels have electricity and air conditioning, but we can't even keep our food fresh," lamented a social media user.
While the UNE continues to work on the recovery of the SEN without a clear timeline for the complete restoration of the service, uncertainty and social discontent are growing. In a country where electricity has become a luxury, the misguided words of MINTUR have only widened the gap between the reality of Cubans and the government's priorities.
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