A vessel arriving from China recently docked at the port of Mariel, bringing a shipment of buses intended for Cuba's tourism sector. This development, which hasn't been reported by official media, has sparked controversy on social media, with numerous Facebook profiles criticizing the Cuban government's persistent focus on the low-performing tourism industry.
The Facebook page "Transportación Habana TH" disclosed, "A new batch of Yutong and ZhongTong buses for tourism and foreign transportation." Meanwhile, "Rodando por Cuba" offered a more pointed critique, noting, "The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Cuba, citing a lack of resources and investment for public transportation, continues to prioritize the tourism sector even at its lowest demand."
Although there has been no formal confirmation, it is expected that these new buses—numbering around 40—will be assigned to the most frequented tourist routes, including Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Trinidad, Guardalavaca, and Santiago de Cuba. Unofficial sources indicate that these vehicles are equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, reclining seats, and restrooms, aiming to enhance the standard of tourist transport in Cuba, while the general public suffers from severe service deterioration.
In 2024, the island hosted roughly 2.2 million international visitors, a stark drop from the 4.2 million recorded in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to 2025, official forecasts predict 2.6 million arrivals, suggesting a sluggish recovery still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.
A variety of factors have contributed to this predicament, including financial constraints, supply shortages for hotels, loss of skilled personnel, and a declining perception of safety as a travel destination. Additionally, the country's ongoing energy crisis, evidenced by frequent blackouts, has adversely impacted the tourist experience.
Despite these hurdles, the Cuban government has persisted in investing in tourism, focusing on constructing new hotels and refurbishing infrastructure. These investments, however, have drawn criticism for prioritizing resources amid a widespread economic crisis.
Even with these efforts, Cuba's tourism recovery faces formidable competition from other Caribbean destinations like Punta Cana and Cancún, which have successfully attracted more visitors in the post-pandemic era.
Conversely, public transportation in Cuba is in a dire state; in Havana, for instance, only 40% of urban buses are operational, leading to prolonged waits and overcrowded vehicles for residents. Nationally, over half of the provincial routes are halted due to shortages of fuel and spare parts.
This predicament has forced many Cubans to rely on alternative transportation means, such as electric bicycles, for their daily commutes.
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Crisis
Why is Cuba receiving new buses for tourism?
Cuba is prioritizing the tourism sector despite its current low demand, aiming to enhance the quality and appeal of its tourist transportation services with new buses from China.
What challenges is Cuba's public transport facing?
Cuba's public transport is struggling with a lack of operational buses, leading to long waits and crowded conditions. Nationally, many routes are inactive due to fuel and parts shortages.
How has the energy crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
Frequent blackouts caused by the energy crisis have negatively impacted tourists' experiences, contributing to a decline in Cuba's attractiveness as a travel destination.