An unexpected partial roof collapse occurred Tuesday night at the restaurant of the Memories Trinidad del Mar hotel in Sancti Spíritus, resulting in minor injuries to four individuals—three foreign tourists and one Cuban—as reported by official sources.
According to Luis Ernesto Camellón Curbelo, the Deputy Delegate of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) in the province, the incident took place around 8 p.m. when a section of the buffet restaurant's ceiling, made of gypsum board, suddenly gave way due to structural failure.
"We experienced a partial collapse of the buffet restaurant ceiling, affecting service and causing some material damage. There were clients in the area, and although some were injured, they received immediate medical attention," Camellón told Radio Sancti Spíritus.
The identities of the injured, including the nationalities of the foreign tourists, have not been disclosed. They were struck by falling pieces of the false ceiling but sustained only minor injuries. Assistance was provided on-site at the hotel, eliminating the need for hospital transport. "They were treated and are fine. They remain at the hotel and expressed satisfaction with the care provided," Camellón stated.
Investigation and Immediate Response
The incident is currently under investigation. Radio Sancti Spíritus reported that technical staff and specialists from the hotel conducted a "preliminary assessment of the causes" immediately following the collapse, though specific details were not shared.
"The investigation is ongoing, and workforce has been contracted to undertake repairs," the report continued.
Despite the incident, the hotel continued its operations uninterrupted. Alternative areas were quickly adapted to resume dining services for guests, ensuring that comfort and service quality were not compromised, according to the Mintur official.
Hotel Operations and Tourist Impact
Maintenance work is underway in the buffet restaurant to restore the damaged area "as quickly as possible and resume normal operations," the report added. The hotel management assured that operations continue smoothly while technical evaluations and necessary actions are being carried out.
The collapse was quickly reported on social media. According to La Tijera's Facebook page, preliminary reports indicated that "over 100 tourists—including several Canadians—and numerous Cubans, as well as around 20 employees, were inside the dining room when the structure failed."
Opened in November 2018, the Memories Trinidad del Mar is a four-star all-inclusive resort with 241 rooms, located on the Ancón Peninsula in Trinidad. It is owned by the Cubanacán Hotel Group and managed by the Canadian company Royalton Hotels & Resorts Ltd.
Challenges Facing Cuba's Tourism Sector
Events like the roof collapse at Memories Trinidad del Mar highlight the infrastructure issues plaguing Cuba's tourism industry, which is suffering its worst crisis in decades due to a sharp decline in visitor numbers and high hotel vacancy rates.
Between January and September 2025, foreign tourist numbers dropped by 20.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) recorded the arrival of 1,366,720 international travelers, which is 352,289 fewer than the previous year.
Despite the government's view of tourism as a key foreign exchange earner, the sector is far from meeting official targets, which anticipated 2.6 million visitors this year. Prolonged power outages, shortages of basic supplies, deteriorating infrastructure, and air connectivity challenges are among the factors deterring tourists.
FAQs about the Roof Collapse and Cuba's Tourism Challenges
What caused the roof collapse at the Memories Trinidad del Mar hotel?
The roof collapse was caused by a structural failure in the ceiling made of gypsum board.
Were there any serious injuries reported from the incident?
No, the four people injured sustained only minor injuries and were treated on-site.
How has the incident affected the hotel's operations?
The hotel continued to operate normally, with dining services relocated to other areas to maintain guest comfort and service quality.
What are the broader implications for Cuba's tourism sector?
The incident sheds light on infrastructure challenges within Cuba's tourism industry, which is already facing a significant decline in visitor numbers and occupancy rates, exacerbated by various logistical and service-related issues.