Amidst a severe electrical crisis that has gripped Cuba since last Friday, the Gaviota hotel group, a branch of the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA) under the control of the Cuban regime's elite, held a significant tourism event in Holguín with much fanfare. The gathering was attended by Cuba's Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, and the President of Gaviota Tourism Group, Carlos M. Latuff Carmenate. On Thursday, they inaugurated 'Destinos Gaviota 2024', marking the sixth edition of the Tourism Exchange organized by the military-managed hotel group.
The hotel group announced on social media, "The much-anticipated VI Tourism Exchange ‘Destinos Gaviota 2024’ has officially begun, this time from the eastern province of Holguín! Today, we embark on an exciting journey where a love for nature travel and exploration converge. We are ready to connect with travelers, professionals, and adventure enthusiasts. Thank you for being part of this unique experience."
Showcasing Cuban Luxury and Tourism Potential
García Granda emphasized that "Gaviota aims to showcase the beauty of the destination and the emerging tourist hub in Ramón de Antilla." Latuff Carmenate also highlighted the launch of a new luxury hotel, stating, "Today, we unveil something even more special, the new Playa Luxury Hotel in Cayo Guillermo. This will be a benchmark in the Caribbean. I'm confident that when you step into any Playa Luxury Hotel, you'll feel the fusion of luxury and Cuban spirit."
The VI Tourism Exchange ‘Destinos Gaviota 2024’ will continue until Monday, October 21, bringing together tour operators, travel agents, airlines, foreign press, and other guests amidst the most severe crisis in the history of the national electric power system, which has been completely collapsed since Friday.
Tourism Continues Despite National Struggles
According to San Cristóbal Travel Agency, this event is "the second most important for tourism in Cuba, as it gathers industry professionals, specialized media, top retail sellers from tour operators, and executives from hotel chains partnering with the Group."
While the country is virtually paralyzed, with transportation halted, most workers at home, students missing classes, and Cubans enduring unbearable power outages, the Cuban regime spared no expense to host ‘Destinos Gaviota 2024’ and showcase new hotel facilities built in Ramón de Antilla.
Investments Amidst Crisis
As the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel shirks responsibility and blames the U.S. embargo for the power system's collapse, worsened by a lack of investments, GAESA — controlling over 70% of the country's dollarized economy without accountability — continues its relentless investment spree in the tourism sector.
Despite statistics showing a decline in the sector since 2020, with fewer travelers and hotel occupancy than ever, the regime's leadership continues to invest unknown resources in constructing hotels and tourism infrastructure. In 2021, Commander Ramiro Valdés revealed that Cuba needed $250 million annually to maintain its energy matrix. That same year, the regime allocated $4.138 billion to real estate assets, some of them luxury facilities built in Havana, Varadero, and Holguín. In October 2021, GAESA proceeded with the eviction of families in the coastal town of Ramón de Antilla, a site now seized by the regime's ruling families.