A video shared on TikTok by the user @kary_y_jony has sparked controversy by showcasing the opulence of the buffet at the Meliá Paradisus Los Cayos hotel, in stark contrast to the food scarcity affecting a significant portion of the Cuban population.
"Who said there is no food in Cuba?" asks the author of the video while displaying trays filled with cold cuts, meats, eggs, fine sweets, and fruits in syrup. As he explains, they were invited by a friend and couldn't help but be surprised by the variety of food available at the resort: "This is where it becomes clear that the crisis affecting Cuba does not impact everyone in the same way," he adds.
The recording concludes with a reflection: "Anyone who comes to Cuba and only goes to the hotels does not know the true reality."
Outrage and sorrow on social media
The comments reflect frustration and indignation. One user wrote: “Those hotels are for tourism... people no longer want to support dictatorships,” while another commented: “There are Cubans who will die without seeing half of what is there.” Harder critiques were also noted: “The population cannot access that kind of food; they search for it in the trash.”
Other users pointed out the economic inequality: "There is food, but there is no money" and "Only for tourists or those who have money."
Cuba: a country of contrasts
This content adds to previous reports about hotels in Varadero and Cayo Coco, where "Cuban Days" are celebrated with banquets and plentiful food for tourists, an offering completely alien to the reality experienced by most Cubans.
It was also reported about tourists at a five-star hotel in Cayo Guillermo who were celebrating an abundance of food, while in many areas of the country families struggle to ensure even one complete meal a day.
From Miami, Cuban influencer Eileen Morales criticized that tourism money ends up in the hands of the government and does not improve the lives of the people. In her testimony, she stated: “While you are enjoying yourselves, eating your meat, a child is dying who has nothing to eat.” Morales, who has denounced the shortages on the island on other occasions, pointed out that the contrast between the luxury of hotels and the misery of the people is not only economic but also ethical.
Recognized food crisis
National pork production dropped from 200 thousand tons in 2018 to just 9 thousand in 2024, as authorities recently acknowledged. This decline has turned pork into a luxury item for most Cuban households.
The Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, acknowledged that each territory will have to rely on what it can produce with its own efforts, a statement that summarizes the abandonment of the centralized distribution model amid a deep structural crisis.
Investment in tourism vs. food
In 2024, the state allocated more than 36.8 billion CUP to activities related to tourism, while essential sectors such as agriculture received only 2.7% of the total investments. Economist Pedro Monreal warned that agricultural investment was 14 times lower than tourism investment and described this model as "highly distorted."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Food Crisis and Tourism in Cuba
What is the current situation of the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is a reality acknowledged even by the Cuban regime, with a drastic decline in the production of basic foods such as pork. The lack of resources and inefficient distribution have turned essential products into luxury items, worsening the situation for Cuban families.
How does the food situation of Cubans contrast with that of tourists in luxury hotels?
Tourists in luxury hotels in Cuba enjoy abundant and varied gastronomic offerings, while the local population faces a shortage of basic products. This contrast highlights the inequality and lack of access to resources that Cubans experience in comparison to privileged tourism.
What impact does prioritized investment in tourism have on the Cuban economy?
Priority investment in the tourism sector has faced criticism, as more resources are allocated to tourism than to essential sectors like agriculture. This decision has exacerbated food shortages and the economic crisis on the island, contributing to inequality and social discontent.
How has the current crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba has experienced a notable decline due to the food and energy crisis, as well as issues with service quality. These factors have led to a decrease in tourists, primarily from Canada, and the withdrawal of Cuban hotels from international catalogs.
What are the prospects for the future of tourism in Cuba?
The future of tourism in Cuba is uncertain due to the deep economic crisis and the lack of tourists' confidence in the quality of services. Unless effective measures are implemented to improve the situation, it is likely that the sector will continue to face significant challenges.
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