A Cuban woman celebrating her 30th birthday in Varadero recently unveiled the stark reality of Cuba's top tourist hotspot: deserted streets, shuttered hotels, and an overwhelming sense of neglect that starkly contrasts with the image the communist regime tries to project abroad.
The Instagram reel, shared this past Sunday by content creator known as Amy a lo Cubano, encapsulates in 42 seconds what many Cubans are already aware of but the government hesitates to reveal: empty streets, closed hotels, and a complete lack of social interaction.
While attempting to inquire about a day pass at one of the resort's hotels, the author discovered that the absence of tourists hadn't led to any price reductions: "It's empty, yet still exorbitantly expensive for us Cubans."
The question posed at the end of the video encapsulates the sentiment of thousands of island residents: "Is this abandonment or exclusion? Varadero is completely empty, yet it's not for Cubans."
The comments from her followers echo the same desolation. "I'm from Varadero but don't live in Cuba anymore, and like me, half of the young people who used to live there have left. It's a deserted town, but it'll always be deeply missed."
The Decline of Cuba's Tourism Industry
Cuba's tourism industry is in crisis. In the early months of 2026, only 262,496 international tourists visited the island, a figure that highlights the sector's continuous downfall.
The fuel shortage has worsened the situation, leading to the cancellation of over 1,700 flights and the temporary closure of hotel facilities nationwide, severely affecting destinations like Varadero.
Government's Response to the Tourism Crisis
In response to the decline in visitors, the Cuban government has adopted a strategy of consolidating tourism services, focusing available resources on specific areas. They have closed hotels with low occupancy, leaving entire regions with a ghostly appearance.
Varadero, in particular, has experienced a 70% decline in visitors during this period, transforming what was once the Caribbean's premier sun-and-beach destination into a scene of abandonment that its own residents can no longer ignore.
FAQs on Varadero's Current Situation
What has led to the decline in tourism in Varadero?
A combination of factors including economic challenges, a fuel shortage, and the Cuban government's policies have led to a significant decline in tourism in Varadero.
How has the Cuban government responded to the tourism crisis?
The government has responded by consolidating tourism services, closing hotels with low occupancy, and concentrating resources in specific areas to manage the crisis.