A Cuban guest who recently stayed at the Memories Miramar hotel in Havana took to TikTok to share a video highlighting the alarming absence of visitors. The user, @johnfashion_official, described the establishment as a "ghost hotel," noting the nearly empty common areas. "I came with two friends for a relaxing Valentine's Day getaway, but it feels like this hotel is just for us three. Who are we supposed to socialize with, Casper?" he joked, pointing out the empty pool and recreational spaces.
The video sparked a range of reactions. Some viewers expressed shock and inquired about the hotel's rates, while others criticized the creator for complaining about a free stay. "No girls to hang out with," quipped one follower, while another humorously suggested renaming the hotel to "No People Allowed."
These personal accounts add to the growing evidence of Cuba's severe tourism crisis. According to the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI), January 2025 saw a 25% drop in international visitors compared to the same month the previous year. This represents the third-worst start to a year since 2003, only surpassed by the pandemic years. Key tourist markets for Cuba have plummeted: Canadian visitors, traditionally the largest group, have decreased, and Russian tourism, which has been pivotal in recent years, halved compared to 2024.
Furthermore, YouTuber Karina Sánchez Rodríguez highlighted the lack of nightlife in Varadero, Cuba's premier beach destination, through a recent video. Her nighttime tour revealed empty streets and deserted restaurants, which she attributed to high prices and the economic crisis.
Adding to this narrative, TikToker Jonix Dose shared footage of a desolate Old Havana, with tourist businesses devoid of patrons and lifeless streets. "There are many businesses here dedicated to tourism, but they're empty," he observed in his video.
Despite the tourism downturn, the Cuban regime continues to invest in building new luxury hotels. While hotel infrastructure expands, the nation grapples with basic supply shortages, power outages, and an inadequate transportation system that undermine the tourist service quality.
Testimonies from tourists and influencers on social media confirm that poor maintenance, an energy crisis, and economic restrictions have rendered Cuba a less appealing destination, in stark contrast to Caribbean competitors like the Dominican Republic or Mexico, which have seen steady visitor growth.
With hotel occupancy hitting historical lows, the pressing question remains: What actions will the Cuban government take to address this crisis, or will it keep neglecting the issues that have crippled its tourism industry?
Addressing Cuba's Tourism Challenges
What are the main factors contributing to the decline in Cuba's tourism?
Key factors include economic restrictions, a lack of maintenance, an energy crisis, and increased competition from other Caribbean destinations.
How has the decline in tourism affected local businesses in Cuba?
Local businesses, particularly those dependent on tourism, have suffered due to decreased visitor numbers, leading to empty streets and struggling commercial establishments.
What are tourists and influencers saying about their experiences in Cuba?
Tourists and influencers highlight issues such as a lack of nightlife, poor maintenance, and high prices, making Cuba less attractive compared to other destinations.