After visiting several locations in Cuba, including Havana and the Varadero resort, a Mexican tourist concluded that the country is in ruins and mired in a deep economic crisis.
Irina Segura shared a video on TikTok last Friday, summarizing her experience on the island, describing it as an “alteration of her brain chemistry.” Although she admitted that “Cuba is a truly beautiful country,” the visitor couldn't ignore the current problems such as power outages, shortages, and widespread poverty affecting the population.
According to the young woman, venturing away from Old Havana revealed “many parts of the city completely destroyed,” highlighting the severe deterioration of buildings in Cuba's capital. She also noted that in the restaurants she visited, servers often had to explain which items on the menu were available and which were not due to shortages.
On one occasion, a waitress asked her if she could donate items like makeup, clothes, and hygiene products if she had only a few days left in Cuba. In Havana, she also experienced one of the frequent blackouts that plague Cubans, which she was told are to "save energy," making the Caribbean nation a less attractive destination.
She recounted needing to buy a phone SIM card, but ETECSA informed her there were none available. However, she managed to purchase one "on the side" for 50 USD, highlighting the level of corruption in this Cuban socialist enterprise.
In Varadero, in Matanzas Province, she mentioned that a local explained how the hunger and lack of food suffered by Cubans are not perceived by tourists, who are offered "all-inclusive hotels with buffets." Furthermore, Segura condemned the discrimination in tourist transportation, where Cubans are forced to wait for buses under the sun, while foreigners wait in comfortable, air-conditioned areas.
Recently, another tourist had a similar impression of Havana. Upon exploring the streets, he noticed the stark contrast between the reality presented by Cuban official propaganda and the actual situation experienced during his walks, which was far less appealing.
The disappointment he felt while touring different areas of Havana was captured in a video posted on TikTok this Thursday. While exploring a tenement in Central Havana, he wondered, “How can people live in this situation?”
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Tourists in Cuba
Below are some common questions and answers that help shed light on the experiences and challenges tourists may encounter when visiting Cuba.
What are the main issues tourists face in Cuba?
Tourists in Cuba often face issues such as power outages, food and product shortages, and a general lack of infrastructure maintenance. These problems are a result of the country's ongoing economic crisis.
How does the local population's struggle affect tourists?
Tourists may witness the local population's struggles through visible poverty, deteriorating buildings, and frequent power outages. Additionally, tourists may be asked to donate items that are scarce on the island.
Is there corruption in Cuba that affects tourists?
Yes, instances of corruption are common. For example, tourists may have to purchase SIM cards or other items on the black market at inflated prices due to shortages and mismanagement by state-run enterprises like ETECSA.