Russian news outlets are raising alarms about the eviction of thousands of their tourists from upscale hotels in Cuba, attributing the situation to the severe energy crisis gripping the island.
The cancellation of excursions and the temporary closure of iconic resorts are exacerbating concerns within the tourism industry about the potential damage to Cuba's standing as a global travel destination.
This alarming news was first shared by the Russian Telegram channel SHOT and subsequently picked up by agencies like TourProm.
According to these sources, Russian tourists are being removed from luxury hotels, and excursions are being canceled, sparking anxiety among travelers and tour operators alike.
The most significant impact has been felt in Cayo Coco, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and exclusive hotel chains.
SHOT reported that "seven hotels have already temporarily shut down," listing properties such as the Hotel Grand Muthu Imperial, Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar, Gran Caribe Camino del Mar, Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco, Hotel Mojito, Hotel Iberostar Daiquiri, and Hotel Sol Guillermo.
Tourists affected by these measures are being "urgently relocated" to accommodations of lower quality or to other parts of the island.
This shift not only affects the level of comfort but also significantly alters the conditions originally agreed upon for their holidays.
The Root Causes Behind the Disruptions
Russian sources emphasize that the "severe shortage of diesel and gasoline" plaguing Cuba for months is at the heart of the problem.
The fuel scarcity has partially crippled transportation, restricted the use of electric generators in hotels, and led to the suspension of essential services within tourist facilities.
TourProm warns that "without a guaranteed supply of fuel for electrical systems and service vehicles, hotels cannot provide the promised level of service."
As a result, many hotel managers have opted to "temporarily halt guest admissions to protect their brand and maintain basic safety standards."
Cancelled Excursions and Disrupted Holidays
The fuel crisis has also forced the suspension of tourist excursions. "Additionally, long-distance tours are being canceled due to the fuel shortage," according to outlets like TourProm.
Popular routes, including trips to Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and even Havana, have been affected, drastically limiting recreational options for visitors.
Travelers have had to settle for local activities or, in some cases, completely revise their travel plans.
"This situation significantly disrupts their holidays, particularly for those who chose specific resorts for their infrastructure, beaches, or culinary quality," Russian media stress.
Diplomatic Communications and Russia's Official Response
In light of the growing dissatisfaction, the Russian Embassy in Havana confirmed the situation in a statement.
"Russian tourists in Cuba are being relocated to other hotels due to low occupancy and issues with electricity supply," the diplomatic mission reported, adding that they are in constant contact with tour operators and Cuban authorities.
Meanwhile, the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RST) indicated that some hotels in Varadero and Cayo Coco "will close until fall due to low occupancy."
In these instances, travelers are being moved "to hotels of similar or superior category," though social media testimonies suggest that many reassignments have been to lower-grade accommodations.
The Impact on Cuba's Tourism Image
Currently, it's estimated that between 3,500 and 4,000 Russian nationals are in Cuba. This scenario poses a significant reputational challenge to the Cuban tourism sector, which has historically depended on markets like Russia, Canada, and Europe.
Experienced tourists and Russian agencies agree that when traveling to Cuba, "it's wise to consider the unpredictability."
Some advise opting for large international hotel chains, which tend to have more resources to mitigate local crises, or choosing resorts close to major cities, where access to infrastructure and transportation is more reliable.
Advice and Potential Compensations
Tourism sector experts recommend that those affected immediately contact their tour operators or local representatives.
These agencies are responsible for negotiating relocations or compensations if the contracted conditions change substantially.
Simultaneously, many agencies are updating their catalogs and "temporarily removing problematic hotels from sale."
It's also advised for those planning a trip to Cuba, particularly to Cayo Coco, to check the current status of hotels and air transport in advance, as "the situation is dynamic" and could change in the coming weeks.
The Russian press emphasizes that this is not an isolated event. "The current developments are not unusual for the Cuban tourism sector," they assert.
Periodic crises involving fuel, electricity, and food have repeatedly affected the quality of vacations on the island, creating uncertainty among operators and visitors.
Cuba, historically one of the favored destinations for Russian tourists due to its warm climate, visa-free regime, and all-inclusive resort offerings, faces a severe blow to its tourism image.
The unpredictability of the energy situation, coupled with declining hotel occupancy, threatens the sustainability of a sector critical to the Cuban economy.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis on Tourism
Why are Russian tourists being evicted from luxury hotels in Cuba?
Russian tourists are being evicted due to a severe energy crisis in Cuba, which has led to a shortage of fuel and electricity, affecting the ability of luxury hotels to maintain their services.
What are the main challenges faced by Cuba's tourism industry due to the energy crisis?
The main challenges include hotel closures, cancellation of excursions, relocation of tourists to lower-quality accommodations, and overall damage to Cuba's reputation as a reliable tourist destination.
How are tourists advised to handle changes in their travel plans to Cuba?
Tourists are advised to contact their tour operators immediately for potential relocations or compensations, and to stay informed about the current status of hotels and transport options, as the situation is subject to change.