After ten years away, a Cuban woman returned to her homeland only to find a place she could scarcely recognize. Through TikTok, she shared her astonishment at encountering empty streets, a city shrouded in gray, and a Varadero that no longer resembled the vibrant memory she held dear.
Yaniris Díaz, known as @yani_renaciendo on TikTok, posted a brief video documenting her unexpected trip back to Cuba. The journey was meant to be a surprise visit to her family for her aunt's birthday, but the element of surprise was lost when she was discovered before arriving.
Due to a lack of available flights to Varadero, Yaniris ended up flying through Havana, allowing her to show the capital city to her son. The footage she captured paints a stark picture. "The city was truly deserted and gray," she states in her video.
The Heartbreak of Varadero
The most jarring moment hit as she set foot in Varadero. "The biggest shock was definitely when I reached Varadero," Yaniris recounts. Having emigrated a decade ago, she found the place utterly transformed, far removed from the joy and excitement it once symbolized during her vacations.
Her final thoughts are sobering: "If this is the state of Varadero and Havana, what must the other provinces be like? My country is in total decline."
Yaniris's experience is not unique. Many Cubans returning after years abroad have reported similar feelings of disillusionment, faced with the stark contrast between their cherished memories and an increasingly deteriorating reality. Another Cuban who strolled through Varadero in June 2025 noted the same disparity, and by August, another content creator documented an eerily empty Varadero during peak summer, remarking that "tourism is dwindling every day."
Tourism and Economic Collapse
Statistics corroborate the grim images captured in these videos. In 2025, Cuba's tourism industry plummeted to just 1.81 million international visitors, marking the lowest figure in two decades, a staggering 62% drop from the record 4.7 million in 2018. During the first quarter of that year, hotel occupancy languished at a mere 24.1%, with over 75% of the infrastructure lying idle. Even slashing prices or offering free stays hasn't stemmed the decline.
The downturn extends beyond tourism. Cuba's economy contracted by 5% in 2025, with projections predicting a further 7.2% drop in 2026, culminating in a 23% decline since 2019. Daily blackouts lasting between 18 and 25 hours are commonplace, while shortages of food, medicine, and fuel are pervasive. A Cuban family recently shared their struggles in coping with the ongoing crisis.
Despite the stark realities, Yaniris concludes her video on a hopeful note. "I'm here to focus on the joy we can give my family during these days, on the positive energies and vibes that recharge my soul whenever I'm with them," she says, with a promise to continue sharing her visit in future videos.
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
Why has tourism in Cuba declined so sharply?
Tourism in Cuba has suffered due to a combination of economic mismanagement, political instability, and external factors such as global travel restrictions. These issues have made Cuba a less attractive destination for international visitors.
How are the economic conditions affecting daily life in Cuba?
Cuba's economic downturn has led to severe shortages of essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel. Frequent power outages and an overall decline in living standards are causing significant hardships for everyday Cubans.
What are the projections for Cuba's economy in the near future?
The outlook for Cuba's economy remains bleak, with forecasts indicating a continued recession and further declines in GDP for the coming years.