A TikTok user, @kary_y_jony, has stirred controversy by showcasing the lavish buffet at the Meliá Paradisus Los Cayos hotel, highlighting the stark contrast with the widespread food shortages affecting most of the Cuban population. "Who said there’s no food in Cuba?" the video provocatively asks, as it pans across trays brimming with cold cuts, meats, eggs, fine pastries, and candied fruits. The creator notes that they were invited by a friend and were astonished by the sheer variety of food available at the resort. "This is where it becomes clear that Cuba's crisis doesn't impact everyone equally," the video comments.
The recording ends with a poignant observation: "Anyone visiting Cuba and only seeing the hotels doesn't know the real situation."
Outrage and Heartache on Social Media
The online reaction has been one of frustration and anger. One user remarked, "Those hotels are for tourists... people no longer want to support dictatorships," while another observed, "Some Cubans will die without ever seeing half of what's there." Other comments were more severe: "The people can't access this kind of food, they find it in dumpsters."
Some pointed out the economic disparity: "The food is there, but the money isn't," and "It's only for tourists or those with cash."
Cuba's Stark Contrasts
This footage adds to previous reports about hotels in Varadero and Cayo Coco, where "Cuban Days" are celebrated with plentiful feasts for tourists—an experience completely disconnected from what most Cubans face daily. In another instance, tourists at a five-star hotel in Cayo Guillermo celebrated the abundance of food, while many families across the country struggle to secure even one complete meal a day.
From Miami, Cuban influencer Eileen Morales criticized that tourism revenue ends up in government hands rather than improving people's lives. She stated, "While you're enjoying your meal, a child is dying without food." Morales, who has repeatedly called attention to the island's hardships, emphasized that the disparity between hotel luxury and public misery is not just economic but also ethical.
Acknowledged Food Crisis
Recent admissions by authorities reveal that national pork production plummeted from 200,000 tons in 2018 to a mere 9,000 in 2024, making pork a luxury for most Cuban households. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz acknowledged that each region must rely on its own production, a statement that underscores the abandonment of centralized distribution amid a profound structural crisis.
Investment Priorities: Tourism vs. Essential Sectors
In 2024, the government allocated over 36.8 billion CUP to tourism-related activities, while vital sectors like agriculture received just 2.7% of total investments. Economist Pedro Monreal cautioned that agricultural investment was 14 times lower than tourism, describing this model as "highly distorted."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Disparities
What is the main criticism of the buffet at Meliá Paradisus Los Cayos?
The main criticism is that it showcases a stark contrast between the abundance available to tourists and the severe food shortages faced by the general Cuban population.
How has social media reacted to the video of the hotel's buffet?
Social media users have responded with frustration and indignation, criticizing the disparity and pointing out that such abundance is inaccessible to the average Cuban.
What are the economic priorities in Cuba according to the article?
The article highlights that the Cuban government prioritizes tourism investment over essential sectors like agriculture, with tourism receiving significantly more funding.