In a video that has gained widespread attention on social media platforms, users Mayra Domínguez on X and @vipreactionsclips on TikTok highlight complaints from a Spanish tourist couple about poor sanitary conditions at a Varadero hotel. The couple claims to have seen roaches crawling around the buffet area. Although the clip doesn’t reveal the identities of those making the complaint, nor does it specify the exact date of their visit to Cuba, their remarks have sparked numerous reactions from users who report experiencing similar issues in Varadero and other tourist spots across the country.
"Perhaps the most negative aspect was the presence of those small cockroaches in the buffet area," one of the tourists states in the video. "We saw roaches everywhere in Cuba. In Havana, they were freely roaming around. Eventually, you get used to it and stop seeing it as such a drastic issue," the Spanish tourists continue.
The same video also touches on their experience with a hotel restaurant in Varadero, which claimed to offer food 24/7. However, they were only able to order a club sandwich because "there was nothing else" available. Upon opening the sandwich, they decided not to eat it due to its unappetizing appearance. "We didn't want to risk getting diarrhea on our first day," they explained.
The video has been shared widely, accompanied by numerous supportive comments and testimonials echoing the lack of hygiene in various hotels and restaurants throughout Cuba's tourist areas. So far, the name of the hotel in question has not been disclosed, nor has the full content of the viral video been independently verified.
Declining International Tourism Deepens Troubles for Cuba
The international tourism crisis in Cuba has worsened in 2025, cementing a downward trend that erases any hope for recovery. From January to July, 1,577,330 travelers arrived, marking a 17.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, with 328,126 fewer visitors.
International tourists accounted for 1,123,987 arrivals, a 23.2% drop from the previous year. The most significant declines were seen in visitors from Russia, Germany, and Spain, while minor increases from Argentina and Colombia failed to offset the overall downturn.
Even the Cuban diaspora has cut back on trips to the island, although they remain a crucial support for the industry. This summer, the regime mandated payment in foreign currency or international cards at GAESA hotels, ensuring that only Cubans with relatives abroad who can pay in dollars visit.
The tourism crisis in Cuba continues to worsen. Hotels are often empty due to poor service, yet the regime persists in investing in infrastructure, denying their administrative failures and squandering the scant funds remaining in state coffers. This occurs despite criticisms over resource shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and food supply.
FAQs on the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
Why is the tourism industry declining in Cuba?
The decline in Cuba's tourism industry is due to a combination of poor service, lack of hygiene in accommodations, and the regime's financial mismanagement, which has led to fewer resources being allocated to essential sectors.
What countries have shown a significant decrease in tourists visiting Cuba?
Countries like Russia, Germany, and Spain have shown notable declines in the number of tourists visiting Cuba.
How has the Cuban government responded to the tourism crisis?
Despite the crisis, the Cuban government continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and mandates payment in foreign currency at certain hotels, although these measures have not addressed the root issues of service quality and resource allocation.