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The Gaviota chain sparked a storm of criticism and sarcasm on social media after promoting new routes to travel from Canada to the island “through third countries,” amid an energy crisis that has left thousands of tourists stranded and forced the suspension of regular air operations.
“From #canada to #lahabana, your journey begins with new flight connections through third countries,” announced the company on its official Facebook profile.
“Miami, Mexico City, or Panama… three routes, one destination: discover the magic of #cuba”, the post added, accompanied by hashtags like #aeroconnections and #cubafeelslikehome.
According to the message itself, the options include connections via Miami (American Airlines), Mexico City (Aeroméxico), and Panama City (Copa Airlines).
Far from generating enthusiasm, the proposal sparked a flood of questions, irony, and confrontations among users.
"The magic of blackouts?"
One of the main points of criticism was the duration and cost of the trip, compared to the direct flights that traditionally connected Canadian cities with Cuban tourist destinations in just over three hours.
“9 hours of flights when it really only takes 3:30 from Canada, I don't believe Canadians will travel to Cuba with those routes,” commented a user residing in Montreal.
“From Canada to Panama, to return all the way to Cuba! It’s like traveling to another planet”, another internet user joked.
Many agreed that with that connection time, many tourists would choose other Caribbean destinations with direct flights.
“People go to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic,” wrote a user. Another asked, “And why not Cancun or the Bahamas?”
The word "magic," used by Gaviota in her campaign, became the target of mockery.
"Discovering the magic of blackouts, mountains of garbage, crumbling buildings, and starving people"; "Cuba turns off its lights for hours and calls it magic"; "The whole magic thing was a joke, right?? Well, yes, it's like a magic act to live in Cuba, making magic so that the money you earn stretches enough for you to eat," commented some internet users along those lines.
"Hahaha the magic of Cuba... I advise you not to come to Cuba, there is no magic, what there is is hunger and blackouts"; "Yes, to discover the black magic!!!", "Please use some of that magic you claim to have for the Cuban people," added others.
The context: Crisis and suspended flights
The controversy arises at a particularly delicate moment for the Cuban tourism market.
The energy crisis and the shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba have left thousands of Canadian tourists stranded on the island, with canceled flights and increasing uncertainty about their return.
Airlines such as Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet have suspended their regular operations and have only been conducting return flights to repatriate their customers, after Cuban authorities warned that there would be no kerosene available for international flights for at least a month.
Travelers have described the situation as "total chaos," as they face power outages, cancellations, and logistical difficulties.
In this context, the proposal to redirect travelers through Miami, Mexico, or Panama has been interpreted by many as a sign of urgency, a pure desperation in the face of a critical situation.
While Gaviota promotes the Canada-Cuba route through a third country, the Canadian government has urged its citizens to confirm their flight details and avoid extending their stay in a situation they describe as "unpredictable."
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