Antonio Guerrero and René González, both former spies, have entered into a tourism partnership through the companies they lead in Cuba. The San Cristóbal Travel Agency, spearheaded by Guerrero, shared on Facebook, "Working with one hero was a privilege, now we are fortunate to collaborate with two."
The post elaborated that Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez and René González, who preside over the San Cristóbal Travel Agency and the Cuban Aviation Club (CAC) respectively, signed a significant agreement on Thursday afternoon. This partnership aims to offer exclusive experiences to visitors in Cuba by joining forces between both institutions.
René González, with a background in aviation, currently serves as the president of the CAC. He supports Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's push to enhance tourism as a means to bolster Cuba's economy and sustain the socialist regime's grip on power. Since 2023, González has been seen orchestrating aviation-related tourism events in Varadero.
Antonio Guerrero, an aerodrome construction engineer, held roles such as vice president of the Superior Organization of Business Management (OSDE) for Design and Construction Engineering and president of the Union of Architects and Engineers of Cuba before leading the travel agency.
Despite the ongoing tourism crisis in Cuba, the regime is doubling down on its strategy to make tourism the "engine of the economy." This week, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero reiterated familiar rhetoric, claiming that "a prosperous tourism industry will generate income, employment, and development." However, public reaction on social media was swift: "When will Marrero stop with this story?" questioned one user.
During his address at the National Assembly's Committees on Services and Agri-food, Marrero maintained that "ensuring tourism functions doesn't mean neglecting the population, but rather creating revenue to meet their needs." Yet, after years of compounded crises, such promises increasingly ring hollow.
The official narrative continues to center tourism, while Cubans face daily struggles with power outages, food shortages, meager wages, and crumbling services. The Cuban tourism industry, hindered by declining visitor numbers, poor hospitality services, and low competitiveness, struggles even to sustain itself. Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda has acknowledged the dire situation, describing 2024 as "the worst moment since September 11, 2001."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Tourism Prospects
What is the significance of the agreement between Guerrero and González?
The agreement between Antonio Guerrero and René González aims to enhance Cuba's tourism offerings by providing exclusive experiences to visitors. It signifies a strategic collaboration between the San Cristóbal Travel Agency and the Cuban Aviation Club.
Why is Cuba focusing on tourism despite the crisis?
The Cuban government views tourism as a potential economic driver that could generate much-needed income, employment, and development, particularly crucial for maintaining the current regime's power.
What challenges does the Cuban tourism industry face?
Cuba's tourism industry struggles with declining visitor numbers, inadequate hospitality services, and low competitiveness, contributing to its inability to sustain itself.
How have the Cuban people reacted to the government's tourism push?
Many Cubans express skepticism and frustration with the government's continued emphasis on tourism, especially as they face daily challenges such as power outages and food shortages.