The Italian influencer Dario Fattore, who presents himself on social media as a Social Media Manager and the founder of the digital marketing agency Whosdigital.it, reported the terrible conditions he faced during his stay at a hotel in Havana, Cuba.
In a series of videos shared on his social media, Fattore recounted his experience at the Memories Miramar hotel, where he claims to have spent nights of nightmares in rooms infested with cockroaches.
"Hello guys, this hotel in Cuba will make you experience a nightmare. I never expected that in a four-star hotel, I would have to sleep in a room infested with cockroaches. I counted more than 30; they were walking everywhere, and I couldn't sleep at all during the night," he explained.
The digital creator reported that, despite requesting a room change, they were assigned another room that was also infested with insects and, moreover, without running water.
"We couldn't take a shower or use the bathroom. During breakfast, I even found a cockroach among the supposedly clean cutlery," he added.
So far, she has not received any type of refund, despite believing that in situations like this it should be mandatory.
"This is the real Cuba."
In a third video, the most viral of the series he recorded in Cuba, the Italian went further and provided a critical view of the country's reality.
This is the real Cuba, not the one shown on social media with colorful cars and salsa music. Here, poverty is everywhere. The streets are dirty, bathrooms often don't exist, and tourists run the risk of being scammed or robbed," he noted.
The influencer also denounced the scarcity that Cubans are experiencing, even when it comes to obtaining food and basic products like soap, and described the healthcare system as "collapsed."
"It has not been an exotic trip; it has been a harsh, suffocating reality touched by communist propaganda. Before letting oneself be enchanted by the vintage cars and street dances, one must know that the reality hidden behind Cuba is completely different," he concluded.
The Cuban government blames independent media for the negative international image of the destination Cuba, but it is thousands of testimonies, such as that of this Italian visitor, that demonstrate the true reasons behind the crisis in the hospitality and tourism sector in the country.
Frequently asked questions about tourism experiences in Cuba and their realities
What are the conditions of hotels in Cuba according to tourists?
The conditions of hotels in Cuba have been heavily criticized by tourists from various nationalities. Several visitors have reported the presence of insects such as cockroaches and bedbugs, both in rooms and in buffet areas, which has created a negative image of hygiene in these establishments. Additionally, they have reported issues such as the lack of running water and electricity, reflecting a lack of maintenance and attention in the tourist facilities.
What problems do Cubans face in their daily lives?
Cubans face serious issues in their daily lives, including shortages of food and basic products, frequent power and water outages, and a collapsed healthcare system. Additionally, many professionals, such as doctors, are forced to take on lower-skilled jobs due to low wages and poor working conditions.
How does tourism affect the Cuban people according to the criticisms received?
Tourism in Cuba has been criticized for not directly benefiting the Cuban people. Many exiles and critics of the regime claim that the revenues generated by tourism end up in the hands of the government, while the population continues to face shortages and poverty. The contrast between the luxury of hotels for tourists and the inadequacies of public services for Cubans is a recurring point in these criticisms.
Why do some tourists choose to exchange dollars on the street in Cuba?
Some tourists choose to exchange dollars on the street due to the unfavorable official exchange rates offered by the Cuban government. In the informal market, the dollar can be worth more than double what it is at official exchange houses, allowing tourists to obtain more Cuban pesos for their expenses on the island.
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