A Canadian tourist who recently vacationed in Cuba praised the abundance of food at the hotel where she stayed, located on one of the keys in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. Debbie Schetagne posted photos on Facebook from her time at the Gran Muthu Imperial Hotel in Cayo Guillermo, a five-star establishment where guests are far removed from the hardships most Cubans face.
"Is anyone wondering about food shortages... NOT HERE!" she exclaimed. The images speak for themselves: tables laden with various meats, a variety of fish, chicken, turkey, rice, Japanese cuisine, fruits, cheeses... Everything to make guests feel like they're in a "paradise" rather than a country where people often struggle to put food on the table and sometimes go to bed hungry.
A Portuguese-Canadian visitor expressed awe, stating, "There are no words to describe this complex," and advised not to heed the negative criticisms about Cuba's situation in the comments section.
Canada remains the primary source of tourists to Cuba, with many opting to visit the keys. However, the Cuban tourism sector is experiencing its worst period in two decades. In 2024, only 2.2 million tourists visited, marking a 9.6% decline compared to the previous year, the lowest figure in twenty years.
This decline is attributed to several factors, including the severe economic and energy crises in the country, along with U.S. sanctions that complicate rapid visa acquisition for travelers who have visited Cuba in the past decade. The Cuban government has acknowledged issues in the sector, such as insufficient air connectivity, unpaid suppliers disrupting the supply chain, and challenges in accessing the international market, among others.
Additionally, it was recognized that the sector has suffered from a lack of investment, caused by a shortage of staff willing to work in hotels and tourist facilities. Although not officially mentioned, this issue coincides with the exodus of Cubans in recent years.
Understanding Cuba's Tourism Challenges
Why is Cuba's tourism sector struggling?
Cuba's tourism sector is struggling due to a combination of economic and energy crises, U.S. sanctions, insufficient air connectivity, unpaid suppliers, and a lack of investment. These issues have contributed to a decline in tourist numbers.
What is the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba's tourism?
U.S. sanctions have made it difficult for travelers to obtain quick visas if they have visited Cuba in the last ten years, which has deterred some tourists and contributed to the decline in visitor numbers.