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While millions of Cubans remain in the dark following the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) assured on Thursday that, despite the energy crisis, the island “remains a safe and reliable destination” and that visitors “will be able to enjoy their tourist experience,” thanks to a prepared infrastructure and a “dedicated human team.”
But, while the regime tries to convey calm to tourists and protect the country's image abroad, millions of Cubans are facing food shortages, interruptions in basic services, and the anxiety of surviving without electricity.
This message is part of another statement released on Wednesday, in which the Mintur emphasized that “most of our hotels and tourist services have electric generators and the necessary resources to operate normally,” assuring that power outages will not impact the sector.
However, the contrast is painful when hotels are announced with power generators and guaranteed fuel to keep visitors in air-conditioned rooms and pools, while entire families on the island cook with wood-fired ovens, receive syrup and jam as "relief" for their children and stand in endless lines to access water amidst the crisis.
A model that prioritizes tourism
It is not the first time that the Cuban government has publicly acknowledged that tourism is prioritized over the needs of the population. In June, Minister Juan Carlos García Granda admitted in an interview with El País that power outages do not impact the sector because hotels have their own power generation systems, a result of state investments.
Although the Electric Union announced this Thursday the partial reconnection of the National Electric System, provinces such as Pinar del Río, Granma, and Guantánamo remain completely without electric service.
The Prime Minister himself, Manuel Marrero Cruz, stated to have a “well-defined strategy” to confront the crisis, but daily life on the island presents a different picture, with evident setbacks to survival conditions that resemble more of wartime than the 21st century.
The contrast leaves no doubt; while the regime spends resources on ensuring the "tourist experience," Cubans remain trapped in darkness, enduring endless blackouts and a system unable to resolve the energy crisis.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis and tourism in Cuba
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect tourists?
The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba assures that tourists will not be affected by the energy crisis thanks to the fact that most hotels and tourist services have electric generators and the necessary resources to operate normally. However, the contrast is evident, as while tourists enjoy uninterrupted services, the Cuban population suffers from prolonged blackouts.
Why does the Cuban government prioritize tourism in the midst of an energy crisis?
The Cuban government prioritizes tourism due to its economic importance, justifying that investments in the hotel sector are necessary to sustain the economy and generate revenue in difficult times. However, this strategy has been criticized for the blatant neglect of the basic needs of the local population, who are facing blackouts and shortages of services.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has promoted the creation of microsystems and investment in solar parks as strategies to tackle the electricity crisis. However, these measures have been insufficient to resolve the structural issues within the system, and the population continues to experience constant blackouts.
What is the impact of the electricity crisis on the daily lives of Cubans?
The electrical crisis seriously affects the daily lives of Cubans, who are facing food losses, interruptions in basic services, and increasing uncertainty about the stability of the electrical system. This situation has created frustration and discontent among the population.
What is the government's perspective on the recovery of the National Electric System?
The government claims to have a well-defined strategy to advance the restoration of the electrical system, but so far no concrete results have been observed that alleviate the crisis. The population continues to face prolonged blackouts, and the promises of recovery have not been fulfilled.
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