The young Cuban identified as Sheyla on TikTok (@sheyreyes03) has sparked a strong wave of reactions on social media after posting a video in which she responds to the criticism she received for taking her family on vacation at state-run hotels in Cuba.
Her response arrives shortly after Sheyla shared moments from her stay at the Iberostar Bella Costa hotel in Varadero with her sister and her niece.
"IGift my money to the government of Cuba," reads the opening message of the new video. In it, Sheyla, a resident of Matanzas, directly addresses the criticism: "I am conceited for showing my reality in Cuba... I should be ashamed to show my life when there are millions of Cubans who do not even have enough to eat."
The tiktoker defends her decision to enjoy time with her family whenever she can: “Do you think that because I stop taking my family to hotels, the situation in Cuba will be resolved?” As she explained, she is not the only one doing this, and many Cubans on the island also participate in these kinds of activities. “Many people here in Cuba have endless opportunities that I do not have,” she adds.
Sheyla also expressed her gratitude to her husband, who lives outside of Cuba and is the main breadwinner for the family. "I have to put a gold medal around his neck because he's the best," she said, while assuring that as long as she has the opportunity, she will continue to provide her family with experiences that help them "have to work as little as possible."
The new video has generated hundreds of comments. Some criticized her choice to support state tourism: “You should be ashamed to give away the money your husband sweats for in the USA to the government,” wrote one user. Others suggested that she should consider renting private homes instead of staying in hotels managed by the State.
However, most messages defended their right to enjoy themselves. “It’s not your fault about the country’s situation,” “Envious people always comment,” or “You live your life; you’re not going to change Cuba by stopping going to hotels” were some of the supportive comments.
Users from other countries such as Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and the United States also sent messages of encouragement and highlighted her family-oriented attitude: “You always think about your family, that’s admirable,” commented a netizen.
Sheyla, for her part, has shared on the same platform other stays at the Grand Aston and the Iberostar Laguna Azul, both in Varadero. In one of her posts, she mentioned that she paid 600 dollars for five days, and in another, she criticized the lack of rice at the buffet: “The only day we could eat rice was the last one.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Cuba and Criticism of its Management
Why was Sheyla criticized for vacationing in state-run hotels in Cuba?
Sheyla was criticized because many believe that by spending money on state-run hotels, one is supporting the Cuban government, which does not use that income to improve the living conditions of the people. This type of criticism is common among those who believe that tourism in Cuba primarily benefits the regime rather than the population.
What arguments did Sheyla use to defend her vacations in Cuban hotels?
Sheyla argued that her decision to enjoy time with her family would not resolve the situation in the country and that many people in Cuba also engage in these types of activities. She defended her right to enjoy life with her family whenever she can, expressing gratitude for the financial support from her husband abroad.
What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba has experienced a 30% decline in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decrease is attributed to the energy crisis, poor quality of services, lack of air connectivity, and shortages of basic goods, which have affected the confidence of tourists and international travel agencies.
How does state tourism affect the Cuban economy and its population?
The state investment prioritizes tourism at the expense of essential sectors like agriculture, which has generated criticism regarding the country's economic model. While tourism receives disproportionate investment, the population suffers from shortages of food and basic products, intensifying economic inequality on the island.
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