The Gaviota Group has sparked a wave of criticism and sarcasm on social media after advertising new travel routes from Canada to Cuba "via third countries," during an energy crisis that has stranded thousands of tourists and forced the suspension of regular flights.
"From #Canada to #Havana, your journey begins with new air connections through third countries," the company announced on its official Facebook page.
"Miami, Mexico City, or Panama... three routes, one destination: discover the magic of #Cuba," the post added, accompanied by hashtags like #airconnections and #cubafeelslikehome.
According to the post, the options include connections through Miami (American Airlines), Mexico City (Aeromexico), and Panama City (Copa Airlines).
Instead of generating excitement, the proposal unleashed a flood of questions, irony, and debates among users.
Public Reaction: Criticism and Humor
"The magic of blackouts?" One focal point of criticism was the duration and cost of the trip, compared to the direct flights that traditionally connected Canadian cities with Cuban tourist destinations in just over three hours.
"9 hours of flights when it's really only 3:30 from Canada? I don't think Canadians will travel to Cuba using those routes," commented a user from Montreal.
"From Canada to Panama, just to return to Cuba! It's like traveling to another planet," joked another user.
Many agreed that with such connection times, numerous tourists would opt for other Caribbean destinations with direct flights.
"People are going to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic," wrote one user. Another asked, "Why not Cancun or the Bahamas?"
The word "magic," used by Gaviota in its campaign, became a target for ridicule.
"Discover the magic of blackouts, mountains of garbage, crumbling buildings, and starving people"; "Cuba turns off its lights for hours and calls it magic"; "Was the magic thing a joke? Well, yes, it's a magic act to live in Cuba, making magic for your wages to stretch enough to eat," some users commented.
"Hahaha the magic of Cuba... I advise you not to come to Cuba, there's no magic, just hunger and blackouts"; "Yes, to discover black magic!!!"; "Please use some of that magic you claim to have for the Cuban people," added others.
The Context: A Struggling Tourism Sector
The controversy arises at a particularly sensitive time for the Cuban tourism market.
The energy crisis and the shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba have left thousands of Canadian tourists stranded on the island, with canceled flights and growing uncertainty about their return.
Airlines such as Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet have suspended regular operations and have only been conducting return flights to repatriate their customers after Cuban authorities warned there was no kerosene available for international flights for at least a month.
Travelers have described the situation as "total chaos" as they face blackouts, cancellations, and logistical challenges.
In this scenario, the proposal to reroute travelers through Miami, Mexico, or Panama has been interpreted by many as a sign of urgency, an act of desperation in the face of a critical situation.
While Gaviota promotes the Canada-Cuba route through a third country, the Canadian government has urged its citizens to confirm their flight details and avoid extending their stay in a situation they describe as "unpredictable."
Understanding the Impact of Travel Challenges in Cuba
Why is Gaviota promoting indirect routes to Cuba?
Gaviota is promoting indirect routes to Cuba due to an energy crisis that has affected direct flight operations, leaving many tourists stranded.
What has been the public reaction to Gaviota's proposal?
The public reaction has been largely negative, with criticism focusing on the increased travel time and cost, as well as sarcasm regarding Cuba's current situation.
How has the energy crisis in Cuba affected tourism?
The energy crisis has led to flight cancellations and logistical challenges, leaving tourists uncertain about their return home and causing chaos in travel arrangements.