Cuba Tourism Crisis Deepens: Russian Tourist Details ‘Soviet-Era Scarcity’
Havana, Cuba – A growing chorus of discontent is echoing from Cuba’s once-thriving tourism sector, with a recent account from a Russian tourist painting a grim picture of decay and shortages. The testimony, published by Money Times, adds fuel to concerns that the island nation is facing one of its worst tourism crises in decades, impacting both its economy and the experiences of visitors.
From Paradise to Problems: A Tourist’s Disappointment
Anna S., a Russian traveler who chose Cayo Coco for a last-minute getaway, described her stay at the 4-star Mojito Hotel (part of the Cubanacán chain) as a jarring experience. While captivated by the pristine beaches and turquoise waters – the hallmarks of a Caribbean vacation – she found the reality of her accommodation far removed from advertised luxury. “It felt like stepping back into the Soviet times of scarcity,” Anna reported, detailing a room marred by a lack of cleanliness – hair on the floor, sand in the bathroom – and a general absence of basic hygiene.
The all-inclusive experience, she discovered, wasn’t quite all-inclusive. Drinking water wasn’t provided in rooms, forcing guests to seek it out at the restaurant. Shampoo refills were infrequent, towel changes depended on tipping, and the resort was plagued by mosquitoes and ants. “You need care in the tropical climate, but it doesn’t exist here,” she lamented.
Beyond the Beach: A Systemic Issue
Anna’s experience isn’t isolated. Her criticisms align with a broader trend of declining visitor satisfaction. While she acknowledged the beauty of the natural surroundings, the state of the hotel’s facilities – faded plastic pools, unsafe slides, peeling paint, and a mosquito-infested pond – fell far short of expectations set by the hotel’s website. Food, while available, lacked variety and freshness. “It is a C+ for an all-inclusive experience, but nothing more,” she concluded.
However, the most striking aspect of her trip was the pervasive sense of need throughout the country. “Cuba is nice, but reality is depressing. There is a lack for everyone, including tourists,” she stated, highlighting a fundamental issue impacting the tourism experience.
Numbers Tell the Story: A Dramatic Decline
Official statistics confirm the anecdotal evidence. Between January and June 2025, Cuba welcomed 1.3 million travelers – a significant drop of 319,654 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI). The decline is particularly pronounced in key markets: Russia (down nearly 49,000 visitors) and Canada (down over 49,000 visitors), traditionally the island’s largest source of tourists.
Hotel occupancy rates plummeted to just 24.1% in the first quarter, meaning three out of four rooms remained empty, even during peak season. Overnight stays decreased from over five million to 3.6 million, and sector revenue fell by a concerning 21.5%.
What’s Driving the Crisis?
Several factors are contributing to Cuba’s tourism woes. Persistent shortages of food, hygiene products, and even basic necessities are impacting both the quality of service and the overall visitor experience. Frequent power outages and a general lack of investment in infrastructure are exacerbating the problem. Restricted flight connections and growing dissatisfaction with service quality are also pushing tourists towards competing Caribbean destinations.
Evergreen Tip for Travelers: If you are planning a trip to Cuba, it’s wise to pack essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items, as these can be difficult to find locally. Adjusting your expectations regarding service levels is also recommended.
Despite the grim outlook, the Cuban government continues to emphasize tourism as a vital “engine of the economy,” but the growing gap between official rhetoric and the lived experiences of visitors is becoming increasingly apparent. Anna’s assessment – “I’ve never seen so much madness in a place. Cuba is impressive, but at the same time terrible” – encapsulates the complex reality facing the island nation.
The situation demands a critical reassessment of Cuba’s tourism strategy and a commitment to addressing the underlying economic and infrastructural challenges that are driving visitors away. For now, the future of Cuban tourism hangs in the balance.
Stay updated with the latest breaking news and in-depth analysis at archyde.com, your source for global insights.
