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A Canadian tourist sparked a debate about the real impact of tourism in Cuba after sharing his experience of a week in Cayo Coco on social media, where he praised the resilience of the people but questioned the fate of the money left by travelers.
James Gougeon explained in the Facebook group "Cuba Vacations & Resort Reviews" that his opinion is "100% personal" and acknowledged that he is not sure if there is a right answer to whether traveling to the island is appropriate in the current context.
During his stay, he noted that the weather was favorable and that the food was "better than expected," assuring that he never went hungry and always found something to enjoy at every meal.
However, he acknowledged that the Melia Costa Rey resort, although it was once of high quality, shows signs of deterioration “given the current state of the country.” Beyond the facilities, he focused his reflection on the national situation. “There is great unrest in Cuba, and for years people have suffered under a government/regime that truly does not care about the people,” he wrote.
The Canadian described how many Cubans feel "as if they have hands around their throats and struggle to breathe daily," yet they still go to work with a smile. He emphasized that the hotel workers were "simply amazing," resilient, and had "hearts of gold."
However, it raised the dilemma faced by travelers: “If you go and spend money, much of what you spend ends up in the hands of the government/regime and strengthens it; but if you don't go, the people who work in the resorts suffer because they don't earn money and struggle to support their families.”
Gougeon affirmed that if travel from Canada resumes, he would like to return and help in any way he can. He acknowledged that small gestures won't save the country, but he maintained that if they can make someone's life a little easier, it's worth it.
His testimony reflects the contradiction that many tourists perceive when visiting the island: admiration for the Cuban people alongside concern for a system that, according to him, concentrates economic benefits while the population faces increasing hardships.
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