A visitor from Panama sparked a flurry of online reactions after she shared her disheartening experience at José Martí International Airport in Havana on TikTok. Known as @milagro_vr on the platform, she released two short clips expressing dissatisfaction with the airport's facilities and services, which drew hundreds of responses, largely critical of the Cuban regime and the nation's current state.
Unpleasant Experience at Havana Airport
In the first video, the tourist recounted her experience upon arriving at the terminal. "Let's start with immigration; I'd rate it a 7 out of 10," she began. She then described the airport bathrooms as having a "really bad smell" and lacking toilet paper—an all-too-common complaint among both Cuban and international travelers. Additionally, she noted that luggage delivery was delayed: "The bags took a long time, over an hour."
She also mentioned that the air conditioning in the food area was barely operational and concluded with a summary of her ordeal: "And well, that was my experience."
First Impressions Outside the Airport: "Everything Looked Run-Down"
In a follow-up video, @milagro_vr captured footage outside the airport, where she observed "run-down modes of transport," a "make-shift open-air market," industrial structures emitting smoke and flames, and unisex bathrooms she had never encountered before. She was also taken aback by the prevalence of revolutionary Cuban symbols and posters.
"Everything looked somewhat run-down just outside the airport," she commented, pairing her words with images of the surrounding streets and vintage vehicles.
Social Media Reactions: Mockery, Outrage, and Validation
The videos amassed thousands of views and generated over a hundred comments, most of which were either sarcastically mocking or expressing outrage. Some users questioned her decision to visit Cuba: "Why did you go then?" "Did you think you were arriving in Dubai?" and "That's what you get for supporting the dictatorship." Others confirmed having similar, if not worse, experiences: "I waited an hour on the plane for a runway pothole," "They confiscated my rum at that airport," and "I went, and there wasn't even soap."
Some defended her right to express her opinion and thanked her for showcasing "the real Cuba," fueling an intense debate over the country's situation.
Not an Isolated Incident
The Panamanian's experience isn't unique. Just weeks earlier, a Cuban posted a video from the same airport, highlighting dirty, unkempt bathrooms and criticizing the staff's poor manners. TikToker Jessica Hernández commented, "We're still dealing with the same issues," reigniting the discussion on the quality of public services in Cuba.
International influencers and YouTubers have also documented the island's conditions. Spanish creator Juanjo Dalmau showcased the decline of homes, hospitals, and markets in April; American vlogger Adventure Elliot labeled the scenario a "humanitarian crisis," highlighting the collapse of transport, healthcare, and food supply. Brazilian influencer Armando Netto shared his experience with the informal dollar exchange market and buying insect-infested food. Meanwhile, Spanish YouTuber Judit Gómez warned about common tourist scams in Havana.
The Decline of Cuba's Tourism Industry
These accounts emerge amid a severe downturn in Cuba's tourism sector. Official ONEI statistics reveal that hotel occupancy reached a mere 24.1% in the first quarter of 2025, with tourist numbers dropping by 29.3% compared to the previous year. The hotel chain Meliá reported a 20.8% decline in revenue per room in Cuba.
Experts like economist Pedro Monreal argue that this decline reflects a structural issue, exacerbated by declining services, lack of resources, limited air connectivity, and growing visitor perceptions of insecurity and dissatisfaction.
While the regime continues to invest in new hotel infrastructure, tourists persistently document on social media a reality that becomes increasingly difficult to conceal.
Understanding Cuba's Tourism Crisis
What were the main complaints from the Panamanian tourist about Havana Airport?
The primary complaints included foul-smelling bathrooms without toilet paper, delayed luggage delivery, and barely functioning air conditioning in the food area.
How did people react to the tourist's videos on social media?
The videos provoked a mix of sarcastic, critical, and supportive reactions, with some questioning her trip to Cuba and others affirming similar negative experiences.
Why is Cuba's tourism industry struggling?
Cuba's tourism sector faces challenges due to structural problems, deteriorating services, limited resources, poor air connectivity, and increasing perceptions of insecurity and visitor dissatisfaction.