A reported mass food poisoning incident involving Russian tourists at the five-star Iberostar Selection Varadero has stirred significant controversy this week. The issue was initially highlighted by the Russian Telegram channel SHOT and later echoed by various Russian media outlets.
SHOT reported that several Russian guests staying at the resort started exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning after consuming seafood, notably grilled shrimp and salmon. "A few hours post-dinner, vacationers began experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, and fever," the report stated.
Some tourists, cited by the channel, mentioned that the seafood appeared questionable when served. Despite complaints, they claimed hotel staff dismissed their symptoms as a result of "acclimation to the local cuisine."
Widespread Media Coverage in Russia
The narrative provided by SHOT was picked up by media outlets like Gazeta, Vechernyaya Moskva, RBC, and the state news agency TASS, all of which reported the alleged incident, citing testimonies from those affected and consultations with medical experts.
Gastroenterologist Nikita Kharlov explained to Vechernyaya Moskva that "the poisoning could have resulted from product decomposition or bacterial toxins," emphasizing that consuming spoiled seafood can be hazardous if not addressed promptly. "A high dose of toxins can cause dehydration, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Without replenishing fluids and electrolytes, it could be fatal," he warned.
Official Denials and Conflicting Reports
Contrary to the allegations spread by SHOT and Russian media, Cuban authorities and various tourism sector organizations have vehemently denied the occurrence of such an incident.
The Cuban Embassy in Russia firmly stated that "the information about the tourists' poisoning was verified and found to be false," according to RIA Novosti. The Russian Embassy in Havana also reported no complaints or medical assistance requests from Russian citizens.
"The Iberostar Selection hotel, contacted swiftly by the consulate general's employee, has yet to confirm this incident," said Vadim Moiseyev, press officer of the Russian diplomatic mission, to RBC. Additionally, the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RUTI) and insurance companies associated with travel packages to Cuba reported no formal complaints or medical assistance requests related to food poisoning.
Diverging Opinions and Mixed Experiences
While some tourists interviewed by Russian media expressed concern over symptoms following seafood consumption, others claimed to have experienced no issues during their stay at the same hotel.
"I am currently vacationing at the Iberostar Selection Varadero and eat seafood daily, including mussels, shrimp, and fish. Everything has been delicious, and no one has fallen ill," a user commented on social media. Others reported a pleasant experience without incidents, leading some media to question the extent of the alleged incident, suggesting it might be a rare case amplified by misinformation online.
Lingering Uncertainty but Intense Debate
As of now, there is no official confirmation of the number of affected individuals, nor has there been any medical or health information released by Cuban authorities or Russian tourism bodies to fully clarify the situation.
Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a debate on social media and in Russian media regarding food safety in Cuban hotels and the emergency response mechanisms in the island's tourist destinations.
A Broader Tourism Crisis
Beyond this specific scandal, the Cuban tourism industry is facing a deep crisis, deterring key markets like Russia. Between January and May 2025, only 56,089 Russian tourists visited the island, marking a 45.6% drop compared to the same period in 2024, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
The downturn is attributed to multiple factors. Structural problems are compounded by negative testimonials circulating on social media and travel forums. A Russian tourist described her disappointing experience at a five-star hotel in Varadero: "The faucets leaked, the hairdryers didn't work, and everything was dirty. I felt cheated," she said. She also reported spoiled food, insects, and poor service: “Tourists are treated like pigs.”
Complaints about deteriorating hotel infrastructure, lack of hygiene, poor customer service, and subpar food are not isolated. There have also been reports of thefts and assaults on tourists, making safety a further deterrent.
Statistics confirm the collapse. By June, the total number of international visitors to Cuba fell by 25%, with 327,799 fewer tourists than in the same period in 2024. For Russian tourists, the decline was 43.5%, dropping from 112,707 travelers to just 63,708. Hotel occupancy in the first quarter was only 24.1%, and sector revenues plummeted by 21.5%, according to official data. Over 75% of hotel capacity remains unused, even during peak season.
In light of this reality, the Cuban government insists on investing in new hotel constructions, a strategy widely criticized by economists.
A Declining Model
Despite the grim statistics, the Cuban regime continues to prioritize tourism economically. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero recently stated that “prosperous tourism will generate income, jobs, and development,” although doubts about the viability of this model are growing.
The statistics and travelers' experiences indicate that Cuba is no longer seen as a reliable or competitive destination in the region. The alleged food poisoning incident in Varadero, though yet to be officially confirmed, symbolizes the sector's deterioration and the growing disillusionment of Russian tourists, who were once viewed as a lifeline for Cuba's struggling economy.
Common Inquiries About Food Safety and Tourism in Cuba
What led to the alleged food poisoning incident at Iberostar Selection Varadero?
The alleged incident was reported by the Russian Telegram channel SHOT, claiming symptoms of food poisoning among tourists after consuming seafood.
How have the Cuban and Russian authorities responded to these claims?
Cuban authorities and the Russian embassy in Havana have denied the occurrence of such an incident, stating that the claims have been verified and found to be false.
What impact has the alleged incident had on Cuba's tourism sector?
While the incident itself remains unconfirmed, it has contributed to ongoing debates about food safety in Cuban hotels and reflects broader issues within the struggling Cuban tourism industry.
Are there any official statistics on the drop in Russian tourists to Cuba?
Yes, there has been a 45.6% decrease in Russian tourists visiting Cuba between January and May 2025 compared to the previous year, according to Cuban statistics.