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In the midst of the collapse of tourism in Cuba, the regime has sent a mission of sector experts to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a country that, unlike the island, is experiencing historic growth in its tourism industry.
Eight Cuban tourism specialists arrived in Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to carry out a technical mission over a month that includes workshops, consulting, and experience exchanges.
The aim, according to reported by the Cuban Embassy in that Eastern Caribbean nation, is to “share best practices” of Cuban tourism with their Saint Vincent counterparts.
A country that teaches without looking up
So far in 2025, tourism in Cuba has dropped nearly 30% compared to the previous year. Air connectivity has plummeted, with airlines like Edelweiss and Cóndor suspending their flights to the island due to low demand. The state airline, Cubana de Aviación, is operating with only two aircraft.
Many swimming pools are empty, power outages are frequent and the shortage of food is even affecting services in hotels for foreigners. Additionally, the poor conditions of the healthcare system have put tourists at risk, such as a Canadian who reported negligent treatment after suffering a hip fracture in Havana.
In contrast, the Cuban government continues its failed bet on tourism as an economic engine, investing in megaprojects like the Torre K in El Vedado, while planes arrive half-full and traditional hotels are crumbling.
San Vicente, the student who surpasses the teacher
While Cuba exports "experts," Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates record numbers. Just in 2024, the Caribbean country increased tourist arrivals by 25.6% for overnight stays, surpassing 100,000 visitors for the first time. Its average tourism growth rate over the last decade has been 30.8%, the highest in the region, reports the official agency Prensa Latina.
The surge is attributed to investments in new international flights, hotels from global chains like Sandals and Holiday Inn, the development of nautical tourism, and a policy of orderly growth. In 2025, they expect to open a Marriott hotel with an additional 250 rooms.
What does Cuba contribute in this scenario? A delegation of technicians sent by a regime that has not even managed to meet its tourist target in the last three years and is facing one of the worst economic crises in its recent history.
It is not a coincidence. Miguel Díaz-Canel himself has traveled to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines twice in less than two years. The most recent was in March 2024, accompanied by his wife Lis Cuesta, to attend the CELAC Summit.
The closeness between both governments is now reflected in a cooperation that, paradoxically, positions Cuba as a provider of experience in a sector that is in ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse of Tourism in Cuba
Why is Cuba sending tourism experts to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Cuba has sent a mission of tourism experts to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to share alleged "best practices" from Cuban tourism, despite the collapse of its own tourism industry. This action seems to align more with a strategy of political cooperation between both governments rather than a genuine contribution to the tourism sector in Saint Vincent, which is already experiencing significant growth.
What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba is in a critical state, with a 30% decline in the number of visitors compared to the previous year. Issues such as food shortages, constant blackouts, and poor infrastructure conditions have seriously impacted the industry. Moreover, many airlines have reduced or canceled their flights to the island due to low demand.
How is the Cuban government responding to the tourism crisis?
Despite the collapse of tourism, the Cuban government continues to invest in hotel infrastructure and promote tourism as an economic engine. Investment projects such as the Torre K Hotel have been prioritized, while the population faces power outages and shortages of basic services. This strategy has been criticized for ignoring the urgent needs of the population.
What impact does the crisis in Cuban tourism have on the country's economy?
Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the Cuban economy, so its collapse has had a significant negative impact. The decline in the number of tourists has seriously affected the economy, exacerbating issues such as inflation, food shortages, and the energy crisis.
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