Danièle Frappier, sales director at Caribe Sol, a Canadian travel agency linked to the Cuban state system, has advised Canadian tourists planning a trip to Cuba to pack items like ketchup and peanut butter. Frappier offered this guidance to address the supply shortages that travelers might encounter at resorts on the island, as reported by Narcity.
These shortages, according to Frappier, should not deter tourists, who can find ways to adapt to the situation. "Someone who absolutely wants their peanut butter in the morning or ketchup with fries might find them unavailable at times. But it's not complicated: they can just bring them in their luggage," she emphasized, normalizing what may seem like a minor inconvenience to many, but which highlights the structural challenges that Cuba faces.
She suggested that tourists with specific expectations about product availability in hotels should be flexible and take precautions. "Someone who is really inflexible and wants a five-star experience without any compromises is not the ideal customer for Cuba, that's for sure," she added, noting that those seeking luxury experiences might feel disappointed.
The suggestion to bring basic items underscores the difficulties faced even by tourist resorts, generally seen as privileged spaces compared to the rest of the population. Although hotel chains like Meliá have implemented solutions, such as creating import companies to ensure supply, Frappier acknowledged that some products are simply unavailable.
While Cuba remains an attractive tourist destination for some, the current conditions on the island have prompted travel experts to advise visitors to take certain precautions before planning their vacations. Recent widespread power outages and ongoing shortages of basic goods are factors to consider for those hoping to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and all-inclusive packages, as highlighted by travel website Silo 57.
In less than two months, Cuba experienced its third widespread blackout at the beginning of December, prompting Geneviève Bergeron of Voyages AZZA to recommend portable batteries to mitigate power interruptions. Meanwhile, Josée Tougas from Voyages des Laurentides suggests opting for more modern hotels, as they are typically equipped with generators.
Additionally, Transat assures that most hotels in their portfolio are equipped with generators and that those located in keys like Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa María have their own power plants, ensuring a stable power supply. The persistent shortage of basic goods in Cuba leads Bergeron to recommend that travelers prepare with non-perishable snacks, such as peanut butter, energy bars, and basic medications.
According to Silo 57, some hotel chains like Meliá have created import companies to ensure supply in their hotels, while Sunwing has removed resorts that do not meet minimum quality standards. Although the situation presents challenges, travel agencies emphasize that with proper preparation, Cuba remains a worthwhile destination to visit: "Tourists are aware of the difficulties, but they still choose Cuba for its beaches and the warmth of its people," explains Tougas.
Recently, the German government issued an official warning to its citizens planning to travel to Cuba due to the frequent blackouts severely affecting daily life on the island. The alert, published by Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website, highlighted the challenges stemming from the energy crisis and recommends carefully evaluating the need to travel to the country under current conditions.
Considered one of the driving forces of the Cuban economy, tourism is projected to continue its decline in 2025, according to confirmation from the Cuban regime on Monday. Official projections indicate that the next year will be even worse than 2024, with an estimated 2.6 million international tourists, 100,000 fewer than the already unmet target for this year, as reported by EFE news agency.
Key Challenges for Tourists Visiting Cuba
What are the main challenges tourists face when visiting Cuba?
Tourists in Cuba may encounter supply shortages of basic products, frequent power outages, and a lack of certain amenities in hotels. It's advisable to prepare by bringing essential items like non-perishable snacks and portable batteries.
Why should Canadian tourists bring ketchup and peanut butter to Cuba?
Due to supply shortages, items like ketchup and peanut butter might not be available at resorts in Cuba, so bringing them ensures that tourists have access to these preferred products during their stay.
How are hotels in Cuba dealing with power outages?
Many hotels, particularly newer ones, are equipped with generators. Some hotels in key areas like Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa María have their own power plants to ensure a stable energy supply.