A family from Canada has brought attention to a harrowing incident involving their teenage daughter during a vacation in Cuba. The 16-year-old girl was reportedly harassed by a hotel employee where they were staying. Greg Woolvett, a resident of Burlington, Ontario, shared that the traumatic event took place in March 2024, when his daughter was alone in an elevator at the resort. According to his account, a hotel staff member entered the elevator, attempted to kiss her, and touched her inappropriately. The man allegedly tried to drag her into a dark hallway, but the teenager managed to escape and return to her family’s room visibly shaken.
"She was pacing the room, tears in her eyes, and she said to me, ‘I think I was just assaulted,’" Woolvett recounted to CTV News. The family reported the incident to the hotel management and their travel operator, Sunwing, but Woolvett expressed dissatisfaction with the response they received.
Woolvett claims that the hotel did not accept responsibility, and when they approached the Cuban police, they were informed that filing formal charges would require them to stay in Cuba indefinitely. Faced with this dilemma, they chose to return to Canada. The employee was subsequently removed from his position, and Sunwing offered to refund the portion of the trip for the daughter. Woolvett demanded a full refund for the vacation, asserting that the ordeal had deeply impacted the family. “I just want all my money back,” he stated.
A Sunwing spokesperson confirmed awareness of the complaint and noted that their customer service team had been in contact with the hotel on behalf of the family. “The health and safety of our customers are of utmost importance throughout their journey, and we sincerely regret the incident that occurred on hotel property,” the company declared. As the case remains open, they declined to provide further details.
Woolvett decided to publicly share their experience to warn other families. “If you’re traveling to the Caribbean with young daughters, it’s crucial to be especially vigilant,” he concluded.
The Canadian government has been advising its citizens against traveling to Cuba since last year, mainly due to food shortages, healthcare service issues, and an energy crisis. In November 2024, Sunwing Vacations Group decided to remove 26 Cuban hotels from its listings and began promoting destinations in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Honduras, and Colombia, aiming to ensure a more satisfying experience for tourists.
Other Incidents Involving Disgruntled Canadian Tourists in Cuba
In recent months, several incidents have marred the experiences of Canadian tourists in Cuba. In February 2025, Sylvie Beauchesne, aged 55, suffered an accident in Holguín and spent 48 hours in a Cuban hospital under inadequate conditions after fracturing her hip. Her family reported a lack of medical care and delays in her repatriation to Quebec.
In October 2024, Jonathon Renko, another Canadian tourist, shared how the frequent power outages on the island ruined his holiday and advised postponing trips until the energy crisis is resolved. The electricity shortages not only affected locals but also disrupted tourist services.
In April 2024, the Revivo family had a negative experience at Meliá Marina Varadero, finding the facility in poor condition, with non-functioning elevators and dirty rooms. After changing hotels under unfavorable circumstances, they received only minimal compensation from their travel agency.
FAQs on Travel Incidents in Cuba
What should tourists do if they experience an incident in a Cuban hotel?
Tourists should immediately report the incident to hotel management and their travel operator. It's also advisable to contact local authorities, although tourists should be aware of potential complications with the legal process in Cuba.
Why has the Canadian government advised against travel to Cuba?
The Canadian government has advised against travel to Cuba due to ongoing food shortages, healthcare service issues, and an energy crisis affecting the country.
What actions has Sunwing taken regarding travel to Cuba?
Sunwing Vacations Group has removed 26 Cuban hotels from its offerings and is promoting alternative destinations such as the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Honduras, and Colombia to provide a better tourist experience.