The tourist resort hotels in Cayo Cruz, located in the province of Camagüey, have been closed since the weekend due to a malfunction in the main water supply line, according to 14ymedio.
The outlet reported that the information was confirmed by workers and managers of the affected establishments. The collapse of the supply system has left luxury facilities such as Sanctuary White Sands and the two hotels operated by Iberostar in the area without service.
Dairon Castro, the social media manager of Sanctuary White Sands, acknowledged the issue in messages directed to foreign tourists, assuring that efforts are being made "intensely, day and night" to restore the service, the mentioned source reported.
For his part, Alexis Torres, marketing director of Iberostar in Cuba, admitted that both their hotels and others in the area are facing “technical problems with the water supply,” and that guests have been moved to other accommodations in the northern keys, mainly in Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.
The user Alex Torres Velázquez also posted on social media: "Our hotel and the nearby ones at the Cayo Cruz destination have experienced technical issues with the water supply. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible.
The page on Facebook CubaHerald also addressed the issue: "The closure of this tourist enclave represents a blow to the hotel industry in Camagüey, which has focused in recent years on the development of Cayo Cruz as an emerging high-end destination, with an emphasis on the European and Canadian markets."
"Unlike other more populated destinations such as Varadero or Cayo Coco, Cayo Cruz has stood out for offering a more exclusive and tranquil experience, with new hotel infrastructure and limited accommodation capacity," the statement added on social media.
Workers without clients or tips
"This was to be expected, because we had to ration water more and more," said an employee of one of the hotels on condition of anonymity. The worker expressed regret that the situation also affects the staff, as the absence of tourists means a loss of tips, which are an essential part of their income.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, neither the Ministry of Tourism nor the official media have provided detailed information. Travel agencies contacted by clients also do not have updated information, while doubts are increasing among those planning to travel to the destination soon.
Tourism at its worst moment
The crisis at Cayo Cruz adds to the general deterioration of the tourism sector in Cuba, which is facing a lack of basic supplies, issues with hotel infrastructure, and a decline in service quality.
The Tourism Minister himself, Juan Carlos García Granda, recently acknowledged that the industry is experiencing "the worst moment since September 11, 2001," excluding the pandemic.
The government had aimed to relaunch Cayo Cruz as one of the “trending destinations” in the Caribbean, featuring 26 kilometers of pristine beaches and several hotels from international chains such as Iberostar, Gaviota, and Valentin.
However, the failure in the water main—a project that was inaugurated with great fanfare just last year—has jeopardized those aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist Crisis in Cayo Cruz, Cuba
Why have the hotels in Cayo Cruz closed?
The hotels in Cayo Cruz have closed due to a break in the main water supply line, leaving several luxury facilities in the area without service. This situation has affected both tourists and employees, who rely on tips for their income.
How does this crisis affect tourism in Cuba?
The crisis in Cayo Cruz reflects the overall deterioration of the tourism sector in Cuba, which is facing issues with hotel infrastructure, a lack of basic supplies, and a decline in service quality. Tourism in Cuba is experiencing one of its worst moments, with a significant drop in the number of visitors and in tourism revenues.
What measures are the hotels affected by the water shortage taking?
The affected hotels are working diligently to restore water service. In the meantime, they have moved guests to other accommodations in the northern cays, such as Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, to mitigate the impact on tourists.
What impact does this situation have on hotel workers?
The lack of tourists directly impacts hotel workers, as they lose income from tips, which are an essential part of their salaries. This situation worsens the working conditions in a sector already affected by the economic crisis in Cuba.
What is the Cuban government's position on the tourism crisis?
Despite the seriousness of the crisis, neither the Ministry of Tourism nor the official media have provided detailed information about the situation in Cayo Cruz. The government continues to invest in the construction of new hotels, despite concerns raised by experts regarding low hotel occupancy and a collapse in revenue.
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