Cuba's Tourism Void: TikToker Explores the Empty Streets of Old Havana

The TikToker Jonix Dose recently posted a video capturing his journey through the streets of Old Havana, where the stark decline of tourism on the island is evident: nearly vacant businesses, scarcely populated streets, and an overwhelming sense of desolation. "These are places primarily aimed at tourists," he remarks while navigating iconic streets. Yet, the footage reveals an almost complete absence of visitors, a trend that has persisted in recent months.

The scenes Jonix Dose shared on his @jonixdose profile highlight the downturn in Cuba's tourist industry. In 2024, the nation welcomed only 2.2 million international tourists, marking a 9.6% decrease from 2023 and the lowest figure in nearly two decades, according to the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI).

Official statistics show that Canada remains the leading source of tourists with 860,877 visitors, followed by Russia (185,816) and the United States (142,450). However, arrivals from Spain and Italy have plummeted by 27.1% and 15.9%, respectively.

In well-known spots like Varadero, the beaches appear deserted, and hotel occupancy rates are notably low. A recent account from a Cuban visitor to the area confirmed the drastic drop in tourist numbers and the adverse impact on the local economy.

Social media has become a platform for Cubans to voice their dissatisfaction with the tourism situation on the island. Users have pointed out that hotels suffer from poor conditions, lacking basic supplies and offering low-quality services. They also criticize the absence of recreational options outside tourist centers, the increasing insecurity, and harassment faced by visitors in airports and streets.

"Cuba is the only place in the world where even tourists struggle," commented one user in response to the official statistics. Another user sarcastically remarked, "If you want to see ruins, it's better to go to Rome."

Furthermore, there is skepticism regarding the official figures. Experts have suggested that the visitor numbers might be inflated to obscure the grim reality of a faltering sector. Despite the lack of tourists, the government continues to invest heavily in constructing new hotels, while sectors like healthcare, education, and housing remain in crisis.

Despite these challenges, the Cuban regime persists in its reliance on tourism as the primary source of foreign currency for the economy. During a recent meeting of the Ministry of Tourism, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that "we need foreign currency," emphasizing that reviving the sector is crucial for the country's financial stability.

However, the government's strategy has faced criticism from various analysts, who argue that the core issue is not tourism promotion, but rather the overall conditions within the country. Frequent power outages, supply shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and insecurity directly impact tourists' experiences, leading them to choose alternative Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic or Cancun.

While the government remains committed to the industry, as reflected in the latest official strategy to recover tourism, it continues to push for attracting visitors despite the country's structural challenges.

Meanwhile, in Old Havana, the absence of tourists remains a vivid illustration of an industry in decline and an economy struggling to stabilize. The pressing question is whether Cuba will manage to turn this situation around or if tourism, once an economic beacon of hope, will continue to be another unfulfilled promise by the government.