A Russian tourist described her vacation in Cuba as a journey of stark contrasts, where the natural splendor of the Caribbean was overshadowed by dirtiness, decay, and scarcity. Her account, shared by the Russian outlet Money Times, adds to the mounting criticism of the ongoing tourism crisis on the island.
Anna S., who spontaneously chose to travel to Cayo Coco as her passport was nearing expiration, stayed at the Mojito Hotel, a four-star establishment owned by the Cubanacán chain. What she encountered there, as she put it, reminded her of "the Soviet times of shortage."
The Reality of a Cuban Vacation
In her review, Anna recounted arriving after a 15-hour journey to a spacious and bright room, but she was shocked by the level of filth: hair on the floor, sand in the bathroom, and a complete lack of hygiene.
"For the first time in an all-inclusive package, there was no drinking water in the room. The bar only served alcohol and coffee; water had to be fetched from the restaurant," she complained.
Additional issues included shampoo being replenished only every two days, towels not changed without a tip, and mosquitoes and ants invading the resort areas. "In the tropics, care is essential, but it's missing here," the tourist lamented.
A Beach Paradise, a Hotel in Ruins
Despite these challenges, not everything was negative. Anna was enchanted by the white sandy beach, the crystal-clear ocean, and the chance to enjoy cocktails made with fresh coconuts. "That made up for many of the drawbacks," she acknowledged.
However, the hotel's facilities fell far short of what its official website advertised, which highlighted the pool, gym, children's activities, and evening entertainment. According to Anna, the pools were made of faded plastic, the slides were unsafe, the paint was peeling, and a poorly maintained pond emitted a foul odor, attracting mosquitoes.
Regarding the food, her review pointed out that while there was some variety, the offerings quickly became repetitive, with limited fruits and vegetables. "For an all-inclusive experience, it's a C+, but nothing more," Anna concluded.
What struck her the most, however, was the overall atmosphere of the country: "Cuba is beautiful, but the reality is depressing. There is scarcity for everyone, including tourists," she stated.
Tourism in Crisis: A Bleak Image
This traveler's account comes at a critical juncture for Cuban tourism, which is experiencing one of its worst crises in decades. Between January and June of 2025, only 1.3 million travelers arrived, 319,654 less than during the same period in 2024, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
The decline is particularly steep in the island's two most significant markets: Russia and Canada. In Russia's case, a mere 63,708 tourists visited in the first half of the year, almost 49,000 fewer than in 2024. Canada, traditionally the primary source market, saw a drop from 577,624 to 428,125 visitors.
Hotel occupancy in the first quarter was a mere 24.1%, meaning three out of four rooms remained empty, even during peak season. Simultaneously, overnight stays fell from over five million to 3.6 million, and sector revenue plummeted by 21.5%.
While the regime continues to tout tourism as the "engine of the economy," testimonials like Anna's starkly illustrate the gap between official propaganda and visitors' real experiences.
The Russian tourist summed it up harshly: "I've never seen such madness anywhere. Cuba is impressive, but at the same time, it's terrible."
Understanding the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
What are the main reasons for the decline in tourism in Cuba?
The decline in tourism in Cuba can be attributed to several factors, including economic hardships, poor quality of service, and the impact of the global travel climate. Additionally, the disparity between official promotion and actual visitor experiences contributes to the negative perception.
How has the tourist experience in Cuba changed over recent years?
In recent years, tourists have reported a decline in service quality, with issues like inadequate accommodation hygiene, limited food options, and overall infrastructure deterioration becoming more common.
What impact does the tourism sector have on Cuba's economy?
Tourism is a critical component of Cuba's economy, serving as a significant source of revenue and employment. The current downturn in tourism severely affects the country's economic stability and prospects for growth.