In a Havana plunged into darkness due to relentless power outages, an overwhelming display of lights stands as a stark reminder of the disconnect with the everyday struggles of ordinary Cubans. This spectacle emanates from the luxurious Gran Muthu Habana Tower Mirador del Caribe, located in the exclusive Miramar area. During the early hours of the morning, the hotel is fully illuminated from end to end, as if the nation were not enduring one of its most severe energy crises in recent memory.
This scene, shared across social media by content creator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, highlights the glaring illumination of the building while the surrounding streets remain shrouded in darkness. The contrast is not only visual but deeply symbolic: while citizens face daily power cuts, food shortages, and a rapid decline in public services, the regime persists in prioritizing investment in luxury tourism infrastructure, largely inaccessible to the majority of the population.
The Gran Muthu Habana Tower, which opened its doors in February 2025, features over 500 rooms, a panoramic pool, upscale restaurants, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The controversial first dollar store opened by the Cuban regime is located on its ground floor, marking a step towards the "partial dollarization of the economy."
This initiative, supported by the Indian chain MGM Muthu Hotels and managed in collaboration with the Cuban government, is part of an official strategy that continues to funnel resources into the tourism sector, despite the evident collapse of the national power grid, hospitals without supplies, and the massive exodus of professionals.
The Gran Muthu Habana Tower Mirador del Caribe represents a joint investment between MGM Muthu Hotels and the Cuban state-run tourism group Gaviota S.A., which is part of the military conglomerate GAESA. MGM Muthu Hotels manages and operates the hotel, along with other establishments in Cuba, such as the Gran Muthu Almirante Beach in Holguín and the Gran Muthu Rainbow in Cayo Guillermo.
New Hotels Rise as Occupancy Plummets
Ironically, this heavy investment in tourism takes place amidst a dramatic drop in foreign visitor arrivals. Recent official data reveals that hotel occupancy in Cuba has plummeted to historic lows, with more than 70% of rooms remaining unoccupied.
International tourism, one of the country's primary sources of foreign currency, has not rebounded after the pandemic nor reached the levels projected by the government, despite substantial investments in new hotels. While luxury complexes like the Gran Muthu or the Torre K are being constructed, Cuban neighborhoods remain in darkness and neglect. There are no resources to improve basic infrastructure or ensure adequate nutrition, yet funds are available to light up empty hotels and allocate dollars to projects that offer little benefit to the average citizen.
The Cuban regime continues to promote these constructions with the promise of attracting tourists and foreign currency, but reality shows that this is a failed gamble. Havana shines for a select few while it dims for the majority. This light dazzles not with hope but with its glaring injustice.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Tourism Crisis
Why is Havana experiencing frequent power outages?
Havana is facing frequent power outages due to a severe energy crisis exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and insufficient investment in the national power grid.
What is the significance of the Gran Muthu Habana Tower?
The Gran Muthu Habana Tower symbolizes the Cuban regime's focus on luxury tourism investments, even as the majority of the population struggles with basic necessities like electricity and food.
How has international tourism in Cuba been affected post-pandemic?
International tourism in Cuba has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, resulting in low hotel occupancy rates despite significant investments in new tourism infrastructure.