“Cuba is an ideal destination to relax,” says MINTUR and launches hotel offers

The two faces of the same country: Cuba promotes luxury tourism, while Cubans face an acute crisis of shortages and blackouts.

The Cuban Ministry of Tourism continues to promote the country as an ideal destination for rest and enjoyment through its social networks. On their official Twitter account, they highlight several attractive offers to attract tourists to the most iconic beaches and cities in the country.

🌴🌴🏝 #Cuba It is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy a peaceful vacation. 🌞😎🏖⛱ #CubaUnica 👉 👉 👉 pic.twitter.com/uM2H4cTeL1

— Ministry of Tourism (@MinturCuba) September 27, 2024

However, this strategy contrasts with the harsh reality faced by the Cuban population, affected by a serious economic crisis, food shortages and constant blackouts.

In the midst of an increasingly acute crisis, Cubans face difficulties in accessing basic products, such as food, medicine and hygiene products. Prolonged blackouts have left many homes without power for several hours a day, worsening the overall situation in the country.

Despite this scenario, Cuban authorities continue to prioritize attracting tourists, showing an image of comfort and luxury that is unattainable for the majority of local residents.

Hotel deals in Cuba

Below are some of the offers shared by the Ministry of Tourism to attract foreign visitors:

• Hotel Iberostar Parque Central (Havana)
  Precio: From 181 USD per night
  Description: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Havana, with views of the Capitol and the Malecón.
  More information
• Hotel Iberostar Varadero (Varadero)
  Precio: From 275 USD per night
  Description: An all-inclusive beachfront resort, with water activities and entertainment for the whole family.
  More information
• Hotel Playa Cayo Santa María (Cayo Santa María)
  Offer: 30% discount in all-inclusive stays.
  Description: A resort on one of the most exclusive beaches in Cuba.
  More information

Contrast with Cuban reality

While the Cuban government promotes luxury tourism, the majority of Cubans live under a reality marked by scarcity and uncertainty. Access to basic products is limited, and power outages have increased due to lack of maintenance on energy infrastructure.

This disconnection between the paradisiacal image promoted by the State and daily life generates frustration among Cubans, who see how their most urgent needs are not met.

The focus on attracting foreign tourists, while local citizens face such complicated living conditions, reinforces the feeling of disconnection between the government and the real needs of the Cuban population. In any case, and although it may be contradictory, it must be understood that tourism is one of the main engines of the battered state economy, and its income supports some of the pillars of the Cuban model.