A Latina tourist shared on social media her experience during a vacation in Cuba with her husband and two children, providing a testimony that combines admiration for the island's natural beauty with sadness over the precarious situation faced by its residents.
The young woman, identified as Maye on TikTok (@mayebs12), posted a video where she shares her impressions after visiting Varadero and Havana. While she highlighted the quality of the all-inclusive hotel in Varadero, which she described as “clean, quiet, and practically empty,” she also recounted moments that deeply moved her due to the contrast between tourist luxury and the crisis faced by the Cuban people.
"I want to share my experience in Cuba. This was the man who took us to Varadero. He told us that he didn't understand why tourism was still active when there was no food, no healthcare, no water, no electricity, and not even the internet was working," he recounted. According to his testimony, the driver also confessed that he felt trapped on the island and that leaving the country was "only possible by swimming."
Maye recounted that she spent five nights and six days at an all-inclusive hotel in Varadero, followed by two nights and three days in Havana. “I loved Varadero because it's all-inclusive and you don’t have to worry about anything,” she expressed, grateful for the tranquility of the place, the clean beaches, the varied food, and the friendly service from the staff.
However, his time in Havana showed him a “different side” of Cuba. “In Havana, there is indeed suffering due to food shortages: you can see the scarcity, a people dying slowly, children hungry, elderly people without medication asking for help on the street. It’s very sad to see this situation: streets filled with people begging, houses about to collapse, balconies falling apart… that's where you see the Cuban who truly suffers,” he lamented.
She recounted that she stayed just two blocks from the center, but the situation in the surrounding area was critical: “The power went out on the next block. They hadn’t had water for 15 days, and since it was raining, there was also no internet.”
"The streets were terrible, the houses looked like they were going to fall down. I nearly died upon arrival," he said with a laugh in the video, although he later clarified that the house where they stayed turned out to be "very clean and comfortable inside," despite its dilapidated exterior. He found the experience to be safe, affordable, and conveniently located near central places like La Bodeguita del Medio.
During her visit to Old Havana, the tourist and her family noticed the eagerness of some locals to receive assistance. Nevertheless, she praised the warmth of the Cubans and the cultural richness of the city. "The center is well-organized, safe, and the people are very welcoming: they help you, they offer you what they can," she emphasized.
"The atmosphere is spectacular, there's live music. But you definitely feel that constant pressure of wanting you to give something," she explained. "That’s what hurt me about Cuba, because it’s really very dirty and very unsafe for tourism."
Despite everything, she concluded that “Cuba is a very beautiful country” and that, with all that they have, “they keep it clean.” For Maye, it was a trip that not only left family memories but also a deep reflection on the reality that many Cubans face in their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist and Social Situation in Cuba
How do tourists describe the current situation in Cuba?
Tourists describe Cuba as a beautiful country, but with deep inequalities and social crises. Many visitors highlight the natural beauty of places like Varadero, but they also lament the living conditions in cities like Havana, where food scarcity, blackouts, and the deterioration of infrastructure are evident. This disparity between tourist luxury and the everyday reality of Cubans generates a mix of admiration and sadness among visitors.
Why is there a crisis in tourism in Cuba?
The tourism crisis in Cuba is due to several factors, including a shortage of basic services, high prices, and poor quality of tourist care. Although the Cuban government continues to promote the island as a destination, the lack of adequate infrastructure, power outages, and a negative image abroad have driven visitors away. Hotel occupancy has dropped significantly, and the perception of insecurity and urban decay contribute to the low influx of tourists.
How does the economic crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The economic crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of its citizens, who face shortages of food, medicine, and basic services. The population endures constant blackouts, a lack of drinking water, and precarious living conditions, with buildings on the brink of collapse. Furthermore, the rationing system restricts access to essential products, forcing many families to rely on remittances and aid from abroad to survive.
What is the contrast between luxury tourism and the Cuban reality?
The contrast between luxury tourism and the Cuban reality is stark and evident. While resorts in places like Varadero offer high-end services, with abundant buffets and exclusive amenities for tourists, most Cubans face a reality of scarcity and hardship. This contrast generates criticism towards the Cuban regime, which prioritizes the development of tourism over the basic needs of its population.
Filed under:
