The former spies Antonio Guerrero and René González signed a tourism agreement between the two companies they lead on the island.
“Whereas it was once a privilege to work with one hero, now we are fortunate to be able to work with two,” reads a Facebook post from the San Cristóbal Travel Agency, managed by Guerrero.
"Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez and René González, presidents of the San Cristóbal Travel Agency and the Cuban Aviation Club, respectively, signed an important agreement on Thursday afternoon for collaboration between both institutions, which will work together to offer exclusive experiences to those visiting Cuba," adds the post.
González has experience as a pilot and is currently the president of the CAC. He is collaborating with Manuel Marrero's call to promote tourism in Cuba, convinced that it is the only way to develop the country's economy and keep the regime in power.
Since 2023, he has been seen organizing aeronautical events related to tourism in Varadero.
On his part, Guerrero, an engineer in aerodrome construction, served, before joining this agency, as vice president of the Superior Organization of Business Management (OSDE) of Design and Engineering of Construction or as president of the Union of Architects and Engineers of Cuba.
Despite the crisis in tourism in Cuba, the regime intensifies its efforts for this sector to become the "engine of the economy."
This week, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero continued to emphasize the same rhetoric, asserting that "prosperous tourism will generate income, jobs, and development." On social media, the public's response was swift: "How long will Marrero keep telling that story?" said a user.
During his speech at the Committees on Services and Agro-Food of the National Assembly, Marrero stated that “ensuring the functioning of tourism does not mean neglecting the population, but rather enabling income to meet their needs.” A promise that, after years of accumulated crisis, sounds increasingly hollow.
The official discourse once again places tourism at the center, while Cubans deal daily with blackouts, food shortages, misery wages, and collapsed services.
The Cuban tourism industry, affected by the decline in visitor arrivals, poor hospitality services, and low competitiveness, is struggling to take off, even to sustain itself. This was acknowledged by the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, who described 2024 as “the worst moment since September 11, 2001.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Agreement in Cuba and the Crisis in the Sector
What is the objective of the tourism agreement signed by Antonio Guerrero and René González?
The agreement aims to provide exclusive experiences for visitors to Cuba through the collaboration between the San Cristóbal Travel Agency, led by Antonio Guerrero, and the Cuban Aviation Club, presided over by René González. This effort seeks to revitalize tourism in a challenging economic context for the island.
Why does the Cuban regime continue to bet on tourism despite the current crisis?
The Cuban regime considers tourism to be the "engine of the economy" and a vital source of foreign currency. Despite the tourism sector being in decline due to a drop in visitors, poor services, and low competitiveness, the government insists that a prosperous tourism industry will generate revenue, jobs, and development, attempting to justify its failed economic policies.
What criticisms does Manuel Marrero face regarding his management of tourism in Cuba?
Manuel Marrero has been criticized for his persistent rhetoric on tourism as a solution to the economic crisis, while the population endures blackouts, food shortages, and collapsed services. The industry is struggling to take off or sustain itself, and many believe that the focus on tourism overlooks key sectors such as food production and public services.
How does the current situation of tourism affect the Cuban economy?
The decline in tourism has negatively impacted the Cuban economy, which is already facing serious challenges. The lack of visitors has significantly reduced foreign currency earnings, exacerbating the economic crisis. Furthermore, the focus on tourism has diverted resources from essential sectors, contributing to the deterioration of the quality of life on the island.
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