The Punta de Ganado campsite, located on Santa Lucía Beach in Nuevitas, Camagüey, transitioned to private management in mid-October. This marks one of the initial shifts of camping facilities to non-state control, as reported by Amado Viera in Havana Times.
While the Campismo Popular Business Group has refrained from issuing any official statement regarding the transition, a local employee confirmed that the plan is to privatize all seven camping sites in the province by the end of 2027.
The impact on pricing was swift. With a private lessee now in charge, round-trip transportation from the city of Camagüey ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 pesos per person, influenced by the chosen private transporter.
Entrance fees now stand at 500 pesos for adults and 300 for children. The cabins remain unrepaired, thus accommodations are not currently available.
The VIP area adds an additional 5,000 pesos to the cost, and restaurant menus start at the same price. Bringing personal food or drinks into the premises is prohibited.
A Camagüey resident who attended the reopening celebration expressed her disappointment candidly: the food prices mirrored those of the priciest private restaurants in the city. The beach, the main attraction, fell short of cleanliness expectations. Only the VIP area appeared well-maintained, but access was limited to select patrons.
In response to the backlash, Carlos René Soriano, director of the Camagüey branch of Campismo Popular, justified the VIP surcharge by highlighting the personalized service, which includes a dedicated attendant, a lounger, a table with four chairs, and access to one of the cleanest beaches in the area.
He also addressed the menu prices, emphasizing economic realities with a simple remark: "Now an onion costs 300 pesos."
Economic Struggles and Declining Tourism
The disparity between these costs and the actual income of Cubans is stark. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the average monthly salary in the state and enterprise sector was around 7,354 pesos in August 2026, roughly equivalent to nine dollars at the informal exchange rate recorded in October.
The financial struggles of Campismo Popular contributed to this leasing arrangement. Economist Yasmani Rabelo, a former accountant for the entity in Camagüey, elaborated on the situation.
Rabelo explained that as the Cuban peso's value dwindled, a significant gap emerged between the official and informal exchange rates. Campismo Popular and similar companies did not adjust their prices accordingly, resulting in mounting losses and an inability to even cover their workers' meager wages.
The collapse of international tourism in Cuba further exacerbates the situation. The country saw a 65% drop in international visitors from January to September 2026, with just 477,707 arrivals compared to the same period in 2025. In July, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz acknowledged that 73% of hotel facilities remained closed, leaving approximately 25,000 workers in limbo.
Shift Towards Private Sector Involvement
Amid this backdrop, the government initiated measures in 2026 to expand private sector involvement in the economy. This included a package of 176 economic reforms in June, the implementation of Decree 160 in August to regulate non-state economic activities, and an open invitation to investors, including emigrants.
In Cienfuegos, the Tourism Real Estate Company offered seven unused facilities for lease to micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) and Cuban expatriates. The state retains ownership of these properties, merely transferring management duties.
What was once a summer retreat accessible to Cuban workers—a campsite with peso-subsidized rates—has now shifted to a private pricing model, largely out of reach for those reliant on state salaries.
Understanding the Impact of Privatization on Cuban Campsites
Why was the Punta de Ganado campsite leased to a private company?
The lease to a private company is part of a broader initiative by the Cuban government to involve the private sector more in the economy, aiming to address financial challenges and modernize management practices.
How have prices changed at Punta de Ganado since the lease?
Prices have increased significantly, with transportation, entrance fees, and restaurant menu costs reflecting the transition to private management. The VIP area and food services particularly highlight this surge.
What are the economic challenges facing Campismo Popular?
Campismo Popular has struggled with financial losses due to the depreciation of the Cuban peso and their inability to adjust prices accordingly, leading to a gap between official and informal exchange rates.
How has international tourism in Cuba changed recently?
Cuba experienced a dramatic decline in international tourists, losing 65% of visitors between January and September 2026 compared to the previous year, contributing to the economic struggles in the tourism sector.