The Brazilian influencer Armando Netto, with over 755,000 followers on Instagram, recently visited Cuba, and his experience on the island went viral. His trip coincided with the widespread blackout that left almost the entire country in darkness in mid-March.
Netto had booked an apartment through Airbnb in Old Havana, but upon arrival, he discovered that there was no electricity. Faced with this situation, he decided to explore the city with his companion, but once again encountered another difficulty: he could not pay with his bank cards because the card readers were not working due to the power outage.
Upon returning to the apartment, the situation remained the same. "I was without power again," he recounted. After several hours without electricity and unable to access basic services, the influencer decided to leave the accommodation. "That Airbnb did not have conditions to survive there," he stated.
Netto visited several hotels in search of alternatives, including the Torre K-23, but ultimately stayed at the Iberostar Grand Packard, a five-star hotel in the heart of Havana.
From the hotel pool terrace, he observed a capital completely in the dark. “For tourists in Cuba, the reality is different. We have luxury hotels, yes. Inside them, you wouldn't even think you're in Cuba. When it wants to, this government knows how to do things right,” he said in one of his videos posted on social media.
In his first 48 hours in Cuba, he was unable to withdraw cash, as the ATMs were not functioning and the payment terminals were out of service. It was at the Packard where he finally managed to withdraw money using his credit card.
"I was hungry," confessed the influencer, who finally managed to satisfy his appetite at the diverse buffet tables of the hotel restaurant, another stark contrast to the shortages he witnessed in the markets of Havana.
Her experience generated hundreds of comments on social media and highlighted, once again, the contrast between the infrastructure of tourist hotels and the precariousness of public services that Cubans face daily.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist Experience in Cuba During the Blackout
Why did the influencer Armando Netto switch his accommodation from Airbnb to a luxury hotel in Cuba?
Armando Netto decided to change his accommodation due to the lack of electricity in the Airbnb apartment during the general blackout in Cuba. The influencer was unable to access basic services or use his bank cards, which prompted him to seek better conditions in a luxury hotel that had electricity and proper amenities.
How does the general blackout affect tourists in Cuba?
The general blackout severely affects tourists in Cuba, as it limits their ability to access basic services, withdraw cash, and pay with bank cards. Blackouts also impact the tourist experience by leaving many areas without electricity, although luxury hotels tend to be better equipped for these situations and maintain a stable power supply.
What differences are observed between the experience of tourists and that of Cuban citizens during power outages?
There are significant differences between the experiences of tourists and Cubans during power outages. While luxury hotels for tourists typically have backup power and continue to operate normally, the majority of the Cuban population endures extended blackouts that affect their daily lives and access to essential services, highlighting the inequality in the country.
What is the impact of the Cuban electricity system on tourism and local life?
The collapse of the Cuban electrical system has a negative impact on tourism and local life. It affects the perception of the country as a safe and welcoming tourist destination, while for locals it represents a worsening of living conditions due to the lack of basic services and limited access to energy resources.
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