The Cuban influencer Imaray Ulloa stirred up social media again with a TikTok video where, mixing irony and pain, she denounced the harsh living conditions in Cuba. “Like when they tell me: ‘I went to your country on vacation and loved it, there’s no misery at all. I’m going to come back with my family and all my friends’,” she says at the beginning of the video, before shifting her tone and dismantling that idyllic image of tourism on the island.
With a serious demeanor and harsh words, the influencer invited those tourists to "live like my people, without milk, without meat, cooking with charcoal because they take away electricity for more than 22 hours". She also criticized the inability to communicate due to ETECSA's dollarized prices, while Cubans earn their salaries in pesos.
“Express yourself to see how they imprison you as a 'political prisoner' and treat you like a criminal,” he added, denouncing the repression against freedom of expression in Cuba. “Cuba has not been about beaches, tobacco, and rum for over 60 years. Cuba is a voice-less prison,” Ulloa declared.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok and other social media platforms. Dozens of users—many from exile and others from countries like Venezuela—applauded her bravery for speaking so candidly. "Bravo Imaray, super shared," "This is your best video," were just a few of the hundreds of comments celebrating her message.
A user recalled that her ex-sister-in-law also claimed that Cuba was a free country “until she went on vacation, but not to a five-star hotel, rather to a friend’s house… It changed her perspective.”
Other messages highlighted the similarity with the situation in Venezuela and Nicaragua. “God willing, the majority will speak out like this and we can change that reality,” commented a follower. “If you don’t raise your voice, you don’t deserve my views,” added another.
Ulloa's forceful statement reignites the debate over the contrast between the tourist image that the regime tries to project and the harsh everyday reality faced by millions of Cubans. His video has not only been shared thousands of times, but it has also sparked a sense of solidarity among those living inside and outside the island, reaffirming that, as one of the commentators remarked, "it had to be said, and it was said."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Reality and Tourism
What is the reality behind tourism in Cuba?
The reality behind tourism in Cuba is a stark contrast between the luxury of hotels and the daily misery of Cuban citizens. While tourists can enjoy five-star hotels and exclusive services, most Cubans face prolonged power outages, shortages of food and medicines, and salaries in local currency that barely cover basic needs. Influencers like Imaray Ulloa and Eileen Morales have denounced these conditions, highlighting that tourism mainly benefits the Cuban regime and not the people.
Why is tourism in Cuba criticized?
Tourism in Cuba is criticized because, although it represents a source of income for the country, those funds do not improve the quality of life for Cuban citizens. Instead, they contribute to strengthening the regime and the political elite. Moreover, tourism creates a false image of well-being, concealing the difficult living conditions faced by the majority of the population. Critical voices, such as that of Laura Méndez, urge tourists not to be complicit in this system by choosing Cuba as a vacation destination.
How does the Cuban political system affect the everyday lives of its citizens?
The Cuban political system, based on an authoritarian socialist regime, deeply affects the daily lives of its citizens. Economic centralization limits opportunities for entrepreneurship and personal development. Cubans face restrictions on freedom of expression, state surveillance, and political repression. The country's infrastructure is deteriorating, with frequent blackouts and shortages of basic goods, making everyday life challenging. Testimonials from influencers and tourists have highlighted how these conditions negatively impact the local population.
What role do influencers play in the perception of Cuba abroad?
Influencers play a crucial role in shaping the perception of Cuba abroad by bringing visibility to the realities that the regime tries to hide. Through their platforms, they share personal experiences and denounce the living conditions on the island, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis that Cubans face. Their testimonies reach international audiences, contributing to a more informed debate about the situation in Cuba and challenging the tourist image that the Cuban government seeks to project to the world.
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