A supposed mass food poisoning incident involving Russian tourists at the five-star hotel Iberostar Selection Varadero has sparked significant controversy this week, following an initial report by the Russian Telegram channel SHOT, which was later echoed by a wide range of Russian media outlets.
According to the channel SHOT, several Russian guests staying at the hotel complex began to show symptoms of poisoning after consuming seafood, specifically grilled shrimp and salmon.
"A few hours after dinner, the vacationers began to feel unwell, experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, and fever," the publication reported.
Some tourists -quoted by the channel- noted that the seafood already appeared unappetizing since it was served.
Despite the complaints, they reported that the hotel staff took no action, attributing the symptoms to a supposed "adjustment to the local cuisine."
A report echoed by multiple Russian media outlets
The version offered by SHOT was reproduced by outlets such as Gazeta, Vechernyaya Moskva, RBC and the state agency TASS, which echoed the alleged incident, citing testimonies from those affected and consultations with medical experts.
The gastroenterologist Nikita Kharlov explained in a statement to Vechernyaya Moskva that "the poisoning could have occurred due to the decomposition of the product or by bacterial toxins," noting that consuming spoiled seafood can be dangerous if action is not taken in time.
"Receiving a high dose of toxins can lead to dehydration, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If a person does not replenish fluids and electrolytes, they will die," warned the specialist.
Reactions and official denials
In contrast to the reports disseminated by SHOT and Russian media, Cuban authorities and several organizations in the tourism sector have strongly denied that an incident of this magnitude has occurred.
The Cuban Embassy in Russia was emphatic in stating that "the information about the poisoning of tourists has been verified and is false." This was reported in statements collected by RIA Novosti.
The Russian Embassy in Havana also ruled out having received complaints or reports of medical assistance from Russian citizens.
"The Iberostar Selection hotel, where the employee from the general consulate quickly made contact, has not yet confirmed this fact," declared Vadim Moiseyev, press attaché of the Russian diplomatic mission, to the media RBC.
Similarly, the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RUTI) and the insurance companies involved in the tour packages to Cuba stated that they had received no formal complaints or medical assistance requests related to food poisoning.
"According to market participants, there have been no complaints from hotel guests, and insurers have not recorded any medical assistance requests in the last 24 hours," stated the release issued by the agency TASS.
Divided opinions and conflicting testimonies
While some tourists interviewed by Russian media expressed concern about the symptoms they experienced after consuming seafood, others stated that they had not encountered any issues during their stay at the same hotel.
"Currently, I am on vacation at the Iberostar Selection Varadero and I eat seafood daily, including mussels, shrimp, and fish. Everything has been very delicious, and no one has gotten sick," commented a user cited on social media.
Others noted that they had enjoyed their experience without any incidents, which has led some media outlets to question the magnitude of the supposed incident and even to consider that it might be an isolated case amplified by misinformation on social media.
Without official clarity, but with heated debate
So far, there is no official confirmation of the number of affected individuals, nor has any medical or health information been released by the Cuban authorities or Russian tourism organizations that would clarify what happened.
However, the incident has sparked a debate on social media and Russian media regarding food safety in hotels in Cuba and the response mechanisms to health emergencies in the tourist destinations of the Caribbean island.
A tourism crisis that goes beyond the incident
Beyond the specific scandal, the Cuban tourism industry is facing a deep crisis that has started to drive away key markets such as the Russian market.
Between January and May 2025, only 56,089 Russian tourists visited the island, representing a decline of 45.6% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
The reasons for the collapse are numerous.
Structural problems are compounded by negative testimonials circulating on social media and travel forums.
A Russian tourist shared her disappointing experience at a five-star hotel in Varadero: "The faucets were dripping, the dryers didn't work, and everything was dirty. I felt cheated," she said.
It also reported spoiled food, insects, and poor service: “They treat tourists like pigs.”
Complaints about the deterioration of hotel infrastructure, lack of hygiene, poor customer service, and the poor condition of food are not isolated incidents.
There have also been reports of thefts and assaults on tourists, which has made safety a deterrent factor as well.
The figures confirm the collapse
Until June, the total arrival of international visitors to Cuba fell by 25%, with 327,799 fewer tourists compared to the same period in 2024.
In the case of Russian tourists, the decline was 43.5%, dropping from 112,707 travelers to just 63,708.
Hotel occupancy in the first quarter was only 24.1%, and sector revenues decreased by 21.5%, according to official data. More than 75% of hotel capacity remains vacant, even during peak season.
In light of this reality, the Cuban government insists on investing in the construction of new hotels, a strategy that has been widely criticized by economists.
A declining model
Despite the negative data, the Cuban regime maintains tourism as an economic priority.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero recently stated that "a prosperous tourism will generate income, jobs, and development," although there are increasingly more doubts about the viability of that model.
Statistics and travelers' experiences reflect that Cuba is no longer seen as a reliable or competitive destination in the region.
The case of the alleged poisoning in Varadero, still without official confirmation, serves as a symbol of the decline of the sector and the growing discontent among Russian tourists, who for years were seen as a lifeline for the struggling Cuban economy.
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