The Cuban content creator Katherin, known on social media as @aprendedorajeje, initiated a reflection that has sparked debate about the image of tourism in Cuba and the tendency to romanticize the island's precariousness.
In a video published on Instagram, the influencer questioned the idea of presenting the country as a "vintage" destination and explained that this concept implies choice and symbolic value, which, in her opinion, does not align with the everyday reality of many Cubans.
"Cuba is not a vintage paradise; Cuba is old and it's not the same," he asserted. "A classic car restored out of passion is vintage; a classic car patched up because you can't get another one is just old," he noted.
Katherin insisted that while retro may seem appealing from the outside, within the country it is often a result of scarcity.
“Vintage is an aesthetic choice; old is often an economic condition,” said the young woman, concluding her video with a reflection addressed to those who idealize the tourist image of Cuba.
"Before calling something charming, ask yourself a very simple question: is it this way because someone chose it, or because it cannot be changed?"
The decline in tourism in Cuba also reflects the internal deterioration of the country
The debate comes at a sensitive time for the Cuban tourism sector. The figures published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) confirm a significant drop in traveler arrivals during January 2026.
One of the most concerning figures is the drop in Cuban visitors living abroad. In January, 12,574 travelers from the diaspora arrived, compared to 21,015 in the same month of 2025: a decrease of 8,441, exceeding 40%.
The steepest decline comes from the United States. Arrivals from that country fell from 14,027 in January 2025 to just 6,997 in January 2026, nearly half.
In total, Cuba received 240,578 travelers by January 2026, which is 90.8% of the level recorded a year earlier, representing 24,255 fewer tourists.
The energy crisis, exacerbated by the decline in shipments of Venezuelan oil, leads to prolonged blackouts, transportation issues, and difficulties in basic services.
In light of this situation, many Cubans abroad prefer to send remittances or packages to their relatives instead of traveling. The complex economic and political landscape continues to impact the country's ability to attract visitors in 2026.
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