Canadian Tourist Recounts Hasty Exit from Cuban Hotel: "A Sense of Worry and Sadness"

Laurie Garbutt, a Canadian visitor, likened her final hours at a Cuban resort to "an evacuation" as the sudden halt of flights forced thousands of foreign visitors to leave the island amid a fuel crisis.

Garbutt shared her experience in the Facebook group "Cuba Vacations and Resort Reviews," describing the uncertainty that overshadowed her final moments in Cuba.

"During my last 24 hours at a Cuban resort, I had a return flight booked for today. However, a last-minute airline notice meant people were leaving on the next available flight, regardless of their travel plans," she posted.

She noted that upon arriving at the hotel, only a few people disembarked from the bus. Yet, as they departed, the situation drastically changed. "Forty people boarded for departure," she recounted.

Garbutt mentioned there was even "a reception for the forty from Montreal who had to leave on short notice in the morning."

The atmosphere, she described, was filled with tension. "There was a palpable feeling of concern among travelers and a somber acceptance among the Cuban resort workers that their livelihoods were at risk," she observed.

Beyond the disruption of vacations, Garbutt expressed her worry for the employees, fearing for their future. "We are drawn to Cuba not only for its sunny beaches but also for the generosity and zest for life of its people," she explained.

Emotions Run High Among Departing Tourists and Workers Left Behind

In comments on her post, other tourists shared similar sentiments.

"I think reality is setting in. I don't believe this will be resolved in months, maybe even years. I pray that one day we can return to Cuba and its people," one person wrote.

Another compared the situation to the onset of the pandemic: "It feels like we're back in 2020," they said.

Several expressed concern for Cuban workers. "I'm deeply saddened and worried for our Cuban families and friends," one noted.

Another commented that hotel closures would primarily affect civilians: "Economic hardship hits civilians first—fewer tips, less private income, more blackouts, and a scarcer food supply."

Political opinions were mixed in the responses.

One participant suggested that ceasing tourism might be the only way to help Cubans, as it would cut off funds to the "corrupt communist government."

Another questioned whether former President Trump's actions truly benefited Cubans: "Trump doesn't care about Cubans; he just wants his billionaire friends to capitalize on the situation."

Overall, the dominant emotion was sorrow.

"It's heartbreaking. I love the Cuban people. They are such joyful and beautiful individuals. It breaks my heart to see what they're enduring," a user expressed, capturing the emotional tone of the discussion.

Tourists Urged to Leave Amidst Crisis

The situation described by Garbutt is part of a large-scale repatriation effort not seen in recent times.

In recent days, over 10,000 Canadian tourists have been prompted to exit Cuba following widespread flight cancellations due to aviation fuel shortages and operational issues at the island's airports.

Air Canada reported having approximately 3,000 customers in Cuba and announced a temporary suspension of its services until May 1, while arranging special return flights.

Similarly, Air Transat halted all flights to the island until April 30 and confirmed it had over 6,500 passengers in Cuba, for whom it activated a repatriation and refund plan.

WestJet also initiated a return operation for its passengers.

Some estimates suggest the total number of Canadians on the island could be as high as 25,000, highlighting the significant impact of the flight suspensions on both travelers and the struggling Cuban tourism sector, which relies heavily on the Canadian market.

Concerns for Tourism Workers

Canadian media outlets have reported similar stories across the country.

One tourist mentioned that power outages at the airport caused computers to restart frequently, creating chaos during departures. Another shared that hotel employees had been without electricity at home for weeks and were uncertain about job security.

The Canadian government has increased its travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Cuba and recommending they leave while flights are available.

The abrupt departure of thousands of visitors delivers yet another blow to an economy already reeling from fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of basic supplies.

While tourists might be relocated or receive refunds, tourism workers face an uncertain future with their incomes at risk amid a national context of escalating challenges.