The renowned Cuban tourist destination, Soroa, often referred to as the "Rainbow of Cuba," has been shuttered for more than four months, including the summer months. Currently, there is neither a set date for its reopening nor a signed agreement with any potential manager, as reported by El Artemiseño.
Situated in the Candelaria municipality of Artemisa, Soroa encompasses a hotel, an orchid garden, lodging villas, and the Castillo en las Nubes hotel within the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve.
Out of what was once a workforce of around 100, only a handful of six security personnel and approximately 15 employees remain on-site to handle essential maintenance tasks. The rest have been relocated to other positions both within and outside the hotel, and many remain uninformed about the ongoing negotiations concerning the complex's future.
The site's conditions are dire: there is no stable supply of electricity or potable water, making even partial operations impossible. The access road has been overtaken by vegetation, reducing the two-lane route to a single path.
Adding to these challenges are the damages caused by Hurricane Rafael in 2024. The report highlights that these issues "remain unresolved" even two years later.
According to the Artemisa Tourism Delegation, "non-state economic actors are interested in managing the complex," but the interested parties have not been publicly identified, nor have any deadlines been set.
This interest is part of a broader governmental initiative consisting of 176 economic and social transformations approved in June. Eje 17 of this plan allows for new private management models in tourism, including leases, usufructs, concessions, private travel agencies, private tour guides, and the involvement of foreign investors and Cuban expatriates.
The article's author warns that delays in determining the management model could exacerbate the risk of irreversible deterioration: "If there isn't swift action to approve the management model at the appropriate levels, if workers remain unaware of the plans, and if decisions are postponed indefinitely, the cost of reviving the site will be significant."
The closure of Soroa coincides with one of the most challenging periods for Cuba's tourism sector in decades. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz admitted before the National Assembly that 73% of the country's hotel facilities were closed, leaving approximately 25,000 workers without jobs.
Between January and June 2026, Cuba hosted only 387,591 international visitors, a sharp decline of 60.7% compared to the same timeframe the previous year.
FAQs on the Closure of Soroa and Its Impact
Why has Soroa been closed for such an extended period?
Soroa remains closed due to unresolved management agreements and significant infrastructural issues, including unreliable electricity and water supplies, compounded by damage from Hurricane Rafael.
Are there any potential plans for reopening Soroa?
While there is interest from non-state actors in managing the site, no official reopening date or agreements have been announced.
How has the closure of Soroa affected local employment?
The closure has resulted in the reallocation of most workers, with only a small team remaining for essential maintenance, leaving many in the dark about future employment opportunities.