On Saturday, January 25, a walk through the main tourist areas of Old Havana revealed a startling reality: empty streets, vacant shops, and a city that seems abandoned even during Cuba's peak tourist season. The video paints a bleak picture that starkly contrasts with the years when the Cuban capital was a magnet for visitors worldwide. Despite claims from Cuba's Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) about an alleged resurgence, the reality shows otherwise.
"They blatantly lie and are only fooling themselves," remarked one online observer upon viewing the footage. This sentiment echoes among many Cubans who see the multi-million dollar investments in hotels and tourism projects failing to alleviate a crisis that has become undeniable.
The Ghostly Silence of Old Havana
Once bustling with tourists, Old Havana, renowned for its colonial architecture, now resembles a ghost town. "My God, total desolation, neither tourists nor Cubans, ghost city, incredibly sad reality," lamented another user. The streets that used to witness the hustle and bustle of visitors and street vendors are now marked by an absence of life, deteriorating buildings, and a lack of basic maintenance.
Many are left wondering: "Why would anyone want to visit Cuba in its current state?" The opinions of the citizens are harsh: "To see what? Trash, stench, mistreatment, crumbling buildings." Another user adds, "Who would go to Cuba to witness such misery?" These views reflect the disillusionment of a population powerless to stop the decline of a key economic sector to which the regime continues to allocate disproportionate resources.
Contradictory Government Investments
It is ironic that while tourism dwindles, the government persists in prioritizing grand hotel projects that fail to meet their goals. As one commentator aptly pointed out, "It's incredible, in the middle of peak season." Old Havana, once a living postcard, is now far from it.
The perception of Cubans themselves about their country as a tourist destination is disheartening: "Every time I go, Cuba gets sadder." Once synonymous with life and culture, Old Havana now mirrors the harsh reality of a nation in crisis.
Tourism Crisis in Cuba
The tourism industry in Cuba continues to suffer from a deep crisis. According to a report from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) published at the end of 2024, the country welcomed 2.7 million visitors, falling short of official projections and showing a decline of 137,047 travelers compared to 2023. The most affected source markets included Canada, Spain, and Italy, while Mexico and Russia showed slight increases that failed to offset the overall drop.
Despite these worrying figures, the Cuban government remains steadfast in its strategy to invest in the tourism sector, with initiatives such as the construction of the Hotel Torre K-23, the country's tallest building, set to open in January 2025. This project, valued at over 200 million dollars, has drawn sharp criticism for being prioritized amid an economic crisis profoundly impacting basic services for the population.
Similarly, the MGM Muthu Hotel in Havana is marketed as a "luxury retreat," while the opening of a dollar-only supermarket within its premises has fueled social unrest due to its inaccessibility for most Cubans.
Infrastructure and Tourism Challenges
The start of 2025 also saw the arrival of new buses for tourist transport, intended for routes to Varadero, Havana, and the Cayos. However, this decision faced significant criticism as public transportation on the island grapples with a severe crisis, with an urban fleet in disrepair and a lack of fuel in the provinces.
Meanwhile, airlines like Edelweiss announced the suspension of flights to Havana, shifting operations to destinations like Varadero and Los Cayos, which capture the bulk of the remaining tourism to the island. In this context, tourism in Cuba not only confronts a slow recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic but also a shift in demand dynamics, as many tourists avoid the island due to infrastructure issues, frequent blackouts, and a declining sense of security.
Although the government estimates receiving 2.6 million international visitors in 2025, this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels and underscores the need to rethink the country's tourism strategy.
Understanding the Tourism Decline in Cuba
Why are tourist areas in Old Havana empty?
Tourist areas in Old Havana are empty due to a combination of economic crisis, deteriorating infrastructure, and a decrease in international visitor numbers.
How is the Cuban government responding to the tourism crisis?
Despite the crisis, the Cuban government continues to invest in the tourism sector, prioritizing large hotel projects and infrastructure, although these efforts have not yet yielded the desired results.
What are the main challenges facing Cuban tourism?
The main challenges include poor infrastructure, frequent power outages, and a declining sense of safety, all of which deter tourists from visiting the island.