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The announcement of the 44th International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba 2026), scheduled from May 6 to 10 in Varadero, sparked a wave of criticism and mockery on social media following the publication released by TV Yumurí.
The medium presented the event as "a unique opportunity to discover the benefits of the Cuban archipelago, whose beauty remains evident despite economic challenges and various political situations," and noted that the fair will focus on the Sun and Beach product, with Canada as the main source of tourists.
However, after the content was shared on Facebook, numerous users questioned the viability of the event in the current context of the country. "With what tourism?" wrote one user. Another commented: "Is this a joke? Talking about a fair in the situation we are in, what madness." It was also noted: "Fairs without tourists, that's great" and "You all definitely live in another galaxy."
The scarcity of fuel was one of the most frequently mentioned issues. "With what fuel?" asked a user. Another wrote: "With what fuel? With what resources? I don't understand. Moreover: with what tourist?" In the same vein, someone joked: "If tourists have wings... That's fine."
Several comments directly referred to the closure of hotels in the country's main tourist hub. "Hotels in Varadero are closing one by one," stated a user. Another remarked: "I work in Varadero and next week I will be out of a job because the hotel is closing, there are no tourists and there won't be any, not expected for at least two months... honestly, I don't understand."
Some also questioned the real access of Cubans to this type of event: “One question, can the working and honest people afford to attend these parties with their salaries in national currency ranging from 1600 to 5000 pesos?”. Others captured the general tone with phrases like “This must be a meme” and “The best joke of the week.”
Reactions are taking place in a context of significant deterioration in the tourism sector. The fuel shortage has led to the cancellation of over 1,700 flights and the closure of hotels during peak season, according to data cited by Reuters.
Additionally, the tour operator Travelplan, from the Ávoris Group, suspended its operations to destinations such as Varadero and Cayo Santa María due to "some serious supply issues, mainly with fuel," according to statements from an executive to the Turisver portal.
In Matanzas, workers in the sector are being relocated to "priority areas" due to the closure of facilities and transportation difficulties to the Hicacos Peninsula, as part of the labor reorganization caused by energy constraints, according to information about the paralysis of tourism in the province.
In that context of cancellations, closed hotels, and reduced operations, the announcement of an international fair in the country's main resort triggered a massive response of skepticism and mockery on social media.
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