A Bolivian tourist, Nicole Pinto, recently shared her concerns about the absence of street lighting in the rural areas and highways of Cuba, highlighting the potential dangers of this situation. Known for her travel vlogs on Instagram, Nicole visited Viñales, a popular tourist destination in Cuba, which is nevertheless not immune to the frequent power outages.
"It's almost seven in the evening, and I've been driving towards Viñales for several hours. What really strikes me is the complete lack of streetlights in these rural parts of Cuba; there are lamps, but they're perpetually off," she noted.
"The houses are also without electricity. I've seen many people using flashlights, and the roads are completely dark unless illuminated by car headlights; it's quite hazardous," she emphasized.
During her visit, Nicole interacted with local farmers who, unlike the residents of Havana, expressed gratitude towards the revolution for returning their lands. This narrative is often shared with tourists, particularly those active on social media, as a protective measure against potential conflicts.
Upon arriving at her rented cabin after a day of sightseeing, Nicole found it without electricity. However, she took this in stride, considering it part of the Cuban experience, stating, "These things happen in Cuba."
Driving to Varadero at night, she encountered similar issues with the unlit roads, reminiscent of her journey through the highways of Pinar del Río.
Reflecting on her stay at the Meliá Varadero, she mentioned that out of ten dishes she tried, only three were to her liking. "The food quality isn't great, but that's a common issue across hotels here, even those with five stars, due to widespread supply shortages," she lamented.
Cuba's severe economic and energy crisis has significantly impacted international tourism. In 2024, the island welcomed 2.2 million international visitors, a 9.6% drop from the previous year and the lowest in two decades. The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reported that this figure fell short of the Cuban government's initial target of 3.2 million visitors, later revised to 2.7 million.
Insights on Cuba's Tourism and Infrastructure Challenges
Why is there a lack of street lighting in rural Cuba?
The lack of street lighting is primarily due to Cuba's ongoing economic and energy crisis, which has led to frequent power outages and limited infrastructure development.
How has the crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
The economic and energy crisis has resulted in a decline in international tourism, with visitor numbers dropping significantly compared to previous years due to supply shortages and infrastructure issues.
What measures are being taken to address these issues?
While the Cuban government has revised its tourism targets and is likely exploring solutions, significant improvements depend on resolving the broader economic and energy challenges.