Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has once again emphasized tourism as the "engine of the Cuban economy," despite the sector's severe decline and its failure to meet expectations for over three years. On Monday, speaking before the National Assembly's deputies, Marrero reiterated his usual rhetoric, claiming that "a prosperous tourism industry will generate income, employment, and development." However, citizens on social media were quick to express their skepticism: "How long will Marrero keep telling this story?" one user questioned.
During his address to the Services and Agro-Food Commissions, Marrero argued that "ensuring the tourism sector functions does not mean neglecting the population; rather, it aims to generate revenue to meet their needs." Yet, after years of ongoing crisis, such promises ring increasingly hollow.
The official discourse continues to place tourism at the forefront, while Cubans grapple daily with power outages, food shortages, inadequate wages, and collapsing services. The Cuban tourism industry, struggling with reduced visitor arrivals, poor hospitality services, and low competitiveness, has not managed to get off the ground, even to sustain itself. Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda acknowledged this by calling 2024 "the worst moment since September 11, 2001."
These challenges are not new. Excessive centralization, lack of incentives for national producers, debts in local currency, payment defaults, and an unstable supply chain remain unresolved, with no signs of improvement. The Agriculture Minister admitted that productive linkages with tourism are minimal, while the Food Industry Minister bluntly stated that the country lacks the capacity to meet the sector's demand.
Despite this, the government continues to push for new investments in tourism while neglecting crucial sectors like food production for the population, public services, and the healthcare system. The "tourism-first" strategy has systematically led to the deterioration of other productive sectors. Despite warnings from various deputies about the need to settle debts, decentralize payment schemes, and adjust supply to real demand, the regime remains anchored to a strategy that yields no tangible results.
Instead of making necessary corrections, Marrero doubles down on an industry that does not drive the Cuban economy but serves to justify failed policies, resource wastage, and even potentially mask money laundering cases in Cuba.
Key Issues in Cuba's Tourism Strategy
Why is Cuba focusing on tourism despite its decline?
Cuba continues to focus on tourism as a primary economic driver, despite its decline, because the government believes it can generate income, employment, and development. However, this strategy is criticized for neglecting other crucial sectors.
What challenges does the Cuban tourism industry face?
The Cuban tourism industry is facing challenges such as reduced visitor arrivals, poor hospitality services, low competitiveness, and an inability to sustain itself financially.
How does the focus on tourism impact other sectors in Cuba?
The prioritization of tourism has led to the neglect and deterioration of other sectors, including food production, public services, and healthcare, which are crucial for the well-being of the Cuban population.