On Wednesday, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz led the 45th-anniversary celebration of Popular Camping in Mayabeque, where he seized the moment to commend Raúl Castro for spearheading tourism development in Cuba. Marrero asserted that Castro envisioned tourism as a means to generate prosperity for the people by creating jobs and revenue.
This event took place just a day after the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed formal charges against Raúl Castro. These charges relate to the 1996 downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes, including conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and four counts of murder, which could result in a death penalty or life imprisonment.
Marrero, who previously dismissed the indictment as a "sham," reiterated his support for the former leader while addressing tourism workers: "With his characteristic sensitivity, Raúl always kept his ear to the ground, ensuring that every tourism development included basic infrastructure and services for the people."
The juxtaposition of defending Raúl Castro publicly and the U.S. criminal charges gave the official speech a distinctly political tone in what was supposed to be a celebration of decades of public recreation.
Legacy of Popular Camping in Cuba
Established in May 1981 at the behest of Fidel Castro, the Popular Camping initiative now boasts 98 facilities, 74 non-hotel locations, and four roadside inns, providing over 18,000 accommodations. Since its inception, it has offered recreation to more than 40 million Cubans.
The event also served as a tribute to Fidel Castro's centenary, acknowledging him as the undeniable initiator of the project, and coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Foundation of the Coconuts.
Challenges in the Tourism Sector
Marrero attributed the challenges facing Cuba's tourism sector to "the suffocating measures and energy blockade imposed by the U.S. government," deflecting any blame from the regime for the industry's collapse.
However, the actual state of Cuban tourism tells a different story: the sector plummeted by 48% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, with only 298,057 visitors between January and March. By the end of 2025, Cuba had received merely 1,810,663 international tourists, marking a 17.8% decline from 2024.
Government Initiatives and Recognition
During his speech, the head of government announced an "updated government program based on popular consultation with nearly two million people" and pledged to tackle the complete fuel shortage with new directives.
At the event, employees of the Mayabeque Popular Camping enterprise were presented with membership cards for the Union of Young Communists and the Communist Party. Workers with over 20 and 25 years of uninterrupted service were honored with the Elpidio Casimiro Sosa González distinction.
Marrero concluded his address with a statement encapsulating the regime's stance on international pressure: "The more sanctions there are, the more solutions will come. We will not cease to change what needs to be changed, nor to do things differently with the active participation of our people."
Understanding Cuba's Tourism Dynamics
What was the purpose of Raúl Castro's tourism development in Cuba?
Raúl Castro aimed to use tourism development as a mechanism to generate prosperity for the Cuban people by creating jobs and increasing revenue.
How did Manuel Marrero respond to the U.S. charges against Raúl Castro?
Manuel Marrero dismissed the charges as a "sham" and defended Raúl Castro by emphasizing his contributions to Cuba's tourism sector and his focus on including essential infrastructure for the population.
What are some challenges facing the Cuban tourism industry?
The Cuban tourism sector has faced a significant decline, with a 48% drop in visitors during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year. This downturn is attributed to U.S. sanctions and internal challenges within Cuba.