The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, stated that “Cuba has great potential for rural and nature tourism.”
His statements were made in a virtual message sent at the closing of the tenth Ibero-American Meeting on Rural Tourism and Agrotourism, which took place over five days in the western part of the country. However, the reality faced by Cuban rural communities stands in sharp contrast to the optimism of the communist leader.
"Tourism in Cuba remains a priority as a driver of social programs," declared Marrero, who advocated for "diversifying it towards modalities that link it to community development."
He thanked the participants for their trust in Cuba as the venue for the event and assured that "we must continue to promote this model worldwide" to position the island as a destination for nature tourism.
"We want to take advantage of these experiences that have greatly contributed to the country's tourism development," he said, and took the opportunity to highlight the work of the state institutions in the sector.
However, the reality on the ground is very different. Cuban rural communities, impoverished and with precarious infrastructures and minimal public services, rarely benefit from tourism investments, which are centrally managed by the state apparatus through companies like Gaviota S.A., part of the military conglomerate GAESA.
State tourism and community exclusion
Cuban tourism projects, including those presented as rural or community-based, are often managed by governmental structures that control administration and revenue.
Agricultural cooperatives or peasant institutions, when they participate, do so as providers of food or resources, without direct access to the profits generated by this activity.
Although Marrero spoke of "benefits in rural communities that are already reporting results," he did not provide figures or specific examples to validate that claim.
For his part, the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, highlighted the event as "a space for academic reflection and best practices" to promote rural tourism that serves as "an instrument for sustainable territorial development and social justice."
"Simply engaging in rural tourism is no longer enough. We must build tourism from the countryside, for the countryside, and with the countryside," he said.
His statement is far from the experience of thousands of Cubans living in rural areas where resources, investments, or real development barely reach.
An event with promises and few solutions
The president of the Ibero-American Institute of Rural Tourism (Iberoatur), Humberto López Tirone, announced that the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, Spain, will be the host for the next meeting in November 2026. He expressed his gratitude to the Cuban authorities and delegates from the 22 participating countries.
The final statement of the event called for strengthening ties with agricultural universities and scientific centers, as well as incorporating science and innovation, while not forgetting the preservation of the historical and traditional heritage of rural areas.
In Cuba, there is a persistent gap between official discourse and state action. The government's priorities almost never align with the basic needs of the population. The Cuban countryside is one of the areas most affected by the economic and energy crisis in the country.
The scarcity of agricultural supplies, lack of connectivity, inadequate housing, and the constant exodus of young people to cities or abroad reflect a disconnection between tourism policy and the actual wellbeing of those living in rural areas.
The promotion of rural tourism does not result in tangible improvements for local communities while the State remains the sole beneficiary of the economic model it imposes.
Frequently asked questions about rural tourism in Cuba and the economic situation
What is the potential of rural tourism in Cuba according to Manuel Marrero?
The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, stated that Cuba has great potential for rural and nature tourism. However, this statement contrasts with the reality of rural communities in Cuba, which face poverty, deteriorating infrastructure, and minimal public services.
How does the tourism economic model affect the development of rural communities in Cuba?
In Cuba, tourism projects, including those presented as rural or community-based, are often managed by the State through companies like Gaviota S.A., part of the military conglomerate GAESA. Rural communities rarely benefit from these investments, and cooperatives only participate as suppliers without real access to the profits. This reinforces a centralized economic model that excludes local communities.
What challenges does tourism in Cuba face according to the current context?
Tourism in Cuba faces multiple challenges, such as the decline in visitor arrivals, the deterioration of infrastructure and services, and low competitiveness compared to other Caribbean destinations. Additionally, despite official statements blaming the U.S. embargo, there are internal issues such as corruption, delayed payments to suppliers, and excessive centralization that hinder the sector's development.
What measures has Manuel Marrero proposed to improve the Cuban economy?
Manuel Marrero has proposed a "Government Program to correct distortions and reinvigorate the economy," with objectives such as macroeconomic stabilization, increasing external revenues, and diversifying national production. However, these measures lack specific details regarding their implementation and have been criticized for repeating promises without real changes, which creates skepticism among the population.
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