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While millions of Cubans remain in darkness following the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) this Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism issued a message directed at foreign visitors to convey “confidence and security.”
In a statement released this Wednesday on Facebook, the entity assured that “the majority of our hotels and tourist services are equipped with generators and the necessary resources to operate normally,” ensuring that the facilities for tourism will not be affected by the blackout.
The contrast between the precarious situation faced by the population and the protection of the tourism sector once again highlights the government's priorities, which insist on safeguarding the country's image abroad while Cubans confront food shortages, interruptions of basic services, and growing uncertainty regarding the stability of the electrical system.
However, the priority that the regime gives to tourism, even in the midst of a massive blackout, is incomprehensible and unjustifiable when the sector is facing a crisis characterized by a drastic decline in Russian and Canadian visitors, low hotel occupancy, and a sustained loss of income.
However, it is not the first time that the Cuban government has explicitly told the world that it prioritizes the tourism business amid the energy crisis over the well-being of the population.
In June, Cuba's Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, publicly justified the protection of the hotel sector in light of the energy crisis affecting the island.
In an interview with El País, the official stated that power outages do not impact tourism because hotels have their own generators, a result of significant state investment.
In the wake of the collapse of the National Electric System, hours later the regime announced that emergency systems have been activated in several parts of the country.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) confirmed the creation of "microsystems" to ensure service in certain objectives deemed vital.
Similarly, the Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, boasted this Wednesday that the government has a well-defined strategy to address the total collapse of the SEN – not to prevent it – which occurred in the morning following the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas.
“We have a well-defined strategy to address this situation and the professionalism of the UNE workers to advance, in the shortest time possible, in the restoration of the system,” wrote Marrero on his profile on X, where he also stated that the public will be kept informed about the recovery process, although this does not guarantee the speed of the actions, let alone their effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the General Blackout in Cuba and Its Impact on Tourism
How does the nationwide blackout in Cuba affect the tourism sector?
The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba has ensured that tourist facilities have electric generators and the necessary resources to operate normally, so the tourism sector will not be affected by the blackout. However, this situation contrasts with the difficulties faced by the Cuban population, which has been heavily impacted by the interruption of basic services due to the collapse of the electrical system.
What is the cause of the massive blackout in Cuba?
The nationwide blackout in Cuba was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas. This plant is crucial to the Cuban electrical system, and its unexpected disconnection led to the total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). The lack of proper maintenance and the aging of the electrical infrastructure have also contributed to the system's fragility.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the blackout?
The Cuban government has implemented the creation of "microsystems" for electricity to ensure service in essential locations, such as hospitals and water distribution centers. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that the government has a well-defined strategy to advance the restoration of the electrical system, although a clear timeline for the complete restoration of service has not been provided.
How is the energy crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba is having a significant impact on the daily lives of the population. Prolonged blackouts have affected food preservation, access to basic services, and have caused uncertainty regarding the stability of the power supply. The disparity in electricity access between the tourism sector and the general population has increased social discontent.
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