As Cuba faces one of its most severe economic downturns in decades, characterized by daily power outages, rampant inflation, and shortages of essential goods like food and medicine, the Cuban government is intensifying its efforts to promote tourism as a national lifeline. This past Tuesday, the state-controlled broadcast "Mesa Redonda" became a stage for an extensive monologue highlighting the supposed benefits of the tourism sector. The state-run outlet Cubadebate echoed this narrative in an article titled “Tourism in Cuba: How Does It Impact the Economy and Quality of Life?”
Rather than offering a critical analysis, the piece functions as a propaganda tool where high-ranking officials —including representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the National Institute of Water Resources (INRH), and the Gran Caribe Hotel Group— listed the alleged advantages of tourism, conveniently ignoring the deep-seated contradictions within the model and its uneven impact on the daily lives of Cubans.
Susset Rosales Vázquez from the Ministry of Economy asserted that tourism “enables financing for priorities in other sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.” Yet, the reality for most Cubans involves a crumbling healthcare system, under-resourced schools, and entire neighborhoods lacking stable access to potable water, all while luxurious hotel complexes flourish in key tourist areas.
Government data reveals that over $300 million is invested annually in tourism-related water infrastructure. However, these initiatives favor tourist hotspots like Guardalavaca, Cayo Largo, and Santa Lucía, while local residents paradoxically still rely on water trucks for their supply.
The official narrative also claims that tourism promotes productive linkages and supports both state and non-state economic actors. Nonetheless, much of the Cuban private sector —when not stifled by arbitrary regulations— seldom benefits from these opportunities. Meanwhile, state-affiliated companies like Fruta Selecta ensure that hotels are supplied, maintaining the state monopoly over foreign currency earnings.
Despite talk of "diversification" and "local development," tourism has fostered a parallel economy where access to dollars, services, and food is contingent on contact with foreign visitors. This has exacerbated inequality between those employed in tourism and those excluded from its perks.
The government's rhetoric leans heavily on the “warmth of the Cuban people” to rationalize its structural dependency on tourism, conveniently masking the reality that hotels have continuous electricity while the general population endures blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day.
The stark contrast between the millions invested in hotels and resorts —often vacant for much of the year— and the dire conditions faced by ordinary citizens highlights the lack of sufficient investment in crucial areas like housing, electricity, public health, and education.
Understanding Cuba's Tourism and Economic Challenges
How does tourism impact the Cuban economy?
Tourism is portrayed as a vital source of revenue for Cuba, theoretically supporting sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. However, the benefits are unevenly distributed, with investments mainly focusing on tourist areas rather than improving the overall living conditions for the general population.
What challenges do ordinary Cubans face despite tourism investments?
Despite significant tourism investments, many Cubans live with unreliable healthcare, underfunded schools, and limited access to essential services like potable water, while luxurious tourist accommodations continue to grow.
Why is there criticism regarding the Cuban tourism strategy?
Critics argue that the Cuban government's emphasis on tourism leads to a parallel economy that exacerbates inequality and overlooks the needs of the broader population, focusing instead on maintaining a steady influx of foreign currency.