Cuba is preparing to receive a flood of Russian tourists this year. The Tourism Counselor of the Cuban Embassy in Moscow, Cristina León, has announced that they expect the arrival of at least 200,000 visitors from Russia.
The official pointed out that from January 1 to March 31, 2024, Cuba received 66,887 Russian tourists, which represents a record for the period. In the same period of 2023, the Caribbean island received 32,224 visitors from Russia.
According information From the state press, to increase the tourist flow, the Cuban authorities are negotiating to increase the number of flights from the Russian Federation and attract investors and hotel companies from the Slavic country to the Cuban hotel sector.
In June 2023, Counselor León described Cuba as an “active, hospitable, full of sensations, a surprising, unique place that the traveler takes with him forever in his memory. This resumption is very favorable to strengthen cooperation ties not only with Russia, but also with Venezuela.”
Experience of a Russian tourist in Cuba
However, not all experiences of Russian tourists in Cuba are positive. A Russian tourist who writes in the blog “Traveling with a Camera” recounted her experience in a luxury hotel of the Iberostar chain in Varadero. While Cuba’s natural beauty captivated her, her stay at the hotel was plagued with inconveniences.
The tourist’s main criticism focuses on the tipping culture at the hotel. According to her, it was almost impossible to receive good service without leaving “dollars or gifts.” The woman describes an environment where customer service depended on the money offered, which generated a feeling of discomfort and disappointment.
The tourist was forceful: “Without a tip you are nothing,” even though you have paid thousands of dollars for a 5-star “all-inclusive” hotel. The treatment improves or not depending on the money you leave to the workers.
Tourism data in Cuba
According to official data, Cuba received 2,436,979 international visitors in 2023, which represents an increase of 822,892 visitors compared to 2022. With the exception of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, all tourism source markets to Cuba experienced gradual growth in 2023.
70.9% of total international visitor arrivals were concentrated in five main segments: Canadians, Cubans permanently residing abroad, Americans, Russians and Spaniards. Of the Cubans residing abroad, 320,193 reside in the United States.
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