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The Canadian Laurie Garbutt described the last hours she experienced at a resort in Cuba as "an evacuation," amid the sudden suspension of flights and the hasty departure of thousands of foreign visitors due to the fuel crisis affecting the Island.
Garbutt shared his testimony in the Facebook group "Vacations in Cuba and resort reviews," where he detailed the atmosphere of uncertainty that characterized his final stay in the country.
"My experience in the last 24 hours at a Cuban resort: I had my return flight booked for today, but a last-minute notice from the airlines meant that people were going home on the next flight, regardless of how long their trip had been," he wrote.
The tourist explained that when they arrived at the hotel, only a small group got off the bus. However, the scene changed dramatically upon departure. "When leaving, forty got on," she recounted.
He added that there was even "a reception for the forty from Montreal who had to leave in the morning with little notice."
According to his description, the atmosphere was charged with tension.
"There was a palpable sense of concern among the travelers and a somber acceptance among the workers of the Cuban tourist complex that, at the very least, their livelihoods would remain on hold indefinitely," he stated.
Beyond the interruption of the holidays, Garbutt focused his attention on the distress of the employees and expressed fear for what the future holds for them. "We are drawn to them not only by their warm sunny beaches but also by their generosity and enthusiasm for life."
Affliction in those who leave and in those who stay
In the comments on her post, other tourists shared similar impressions.
"I believe that reality is beginning to sink in. I don't think this will be resolved in the next few months, but rather in years. I pray that we can see Cuba and its people again someday," wrote one.
Another compared the situation to the beginning of the pandemic: "It feels like we are back in 2020."
Several expressed anguish for Cuban workers. "I am very sad and worried about our Cuban families and friends," one stated.
Another person stated that the closure of hotels will primarily impact the civilian population: "The economic pain affects civilians first (fewer tips and private income, more power outages, and a scarcer food supply)."
There were also comments reflecting opposing political views.
One participant stated that "the only thing that will help the Cuban people is if there is no tourism, as this will deprive the corrupt communist government of funds."
Another questioned whether the actions of the former U.S. president would truly benefit Cubans: "Cubans mean nothing to Trump; he only wants his billionaire friends to come and take advantage of the situation."
Among the messages, sorrow prevailed.
"It is very sad. I love the Cuban people. They are such joyful and beautiful individuals. It breaks my heart what they are going through," expressed a user, reflecting the emotional tone of the discussion.
Forced to leave tourists
The experience recounted by Garbutt takes place within a recent, unprecedented repatriation operation.
In recent days, more than 10,000 Canadian tourists have been urged to leave Cuba following the massive suspension of flights caused by a shortage of aviation fuel and operational issues at the island's airports.
Air Canada reported that it had around 3,000 customers in Cuba and announced the temporary suspension of its operations until May 1, while organizing special return flights.
Air Transat, for its part, has suspended all its flights to the Island until April 30 and confirmed that it has over 6,500 passengers in Cuban territory, for whom it has activated a repatriation and refund plan.
WestJet also launched a return operation for its travelers.
Some estimates raise the total number of Canadians on the Island to 25,000, highlighting the impact that the air suspension has had on both travelers and the already weakened tourism sector, which relies on nearly 50% of the Canadian market.
Concern for workers in the tourism sector
Canadian media collected similar testimonies from various places across the country.
A tourist recounted that at the airport, power outages caused computers to restart every few minutes, creating chaos in the departure processes. Another reported that hotel employees had been without electricity in their homes for weeks and did not know if they would keep their jobs.
The Canadian government raised its travel advisory level and urged citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Cuba, recommending that they leave while flights are still available.
The sudden departure of thousands of visitors represents yet another blow to an economy already battered by shortages of fuel, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of basic goods.
While tourists may be relocated or receive refunds, workers in the tourism sector face an uncertain future, with income at risk and a national context marked by increasing difficulties.
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