A video released this Tuesday on TikTok reveals the deserted interior of the Valentin Perla Blanca hotel in Cayo Santa Maria. The colossal pools remain untouched, yet not a single guest can be seen.
The creator of the video managed to infiltrate the premises, which are under the watch of a lone security guard residing there. The video takes viewers through the lobby, the three expansive pools, and the bungalow areas of the resort, which is described as having Spanish architectural influence and approximately 1,500 rooms.
"It's a shame about the Valentin Perla Blanca, a hotel with fifteen hundred rooms, just like many others in Cayo Santa Maria that are closed," the video creator comments. This showcases the collapse of Cuba's tourism sector, which has led to around 7,000 tourism workers losing their jobs in recent months.
The widespread closure of hotel facilities in Cuba is partly due to the complete shortage of aviation fuel, acknowledged by the Cuban government itself. This shortage has grounded flights and left numerous island destinations devoid of tourists.
Prominent chains such as Meliá, NH, and Iberostar have also shut down establishments across various parts of the country, affecting both coastal resorts and urban hotels.
This scenario is particularly striking given Cuba's investment of $24.2 billion in the hospitality sector from 2021 to 2023—a substantial financial commitment that failed to halt the sector's steady decline. Recent figures indicate that the hotel occupancy rate did not exceed 21.5% in 2025, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
The Impact of Tourism Decline in Cuba
Why is the tourism sector in Cuba collapsing?
The collapse is largely due to a severe shortage of aviation fuel, which has grounded flights and left many tourist destinations without visitors. Additionally, the economic mismanagement by the government has exacerbated the situation.
How much has Cuba invested in its hotel industry?
Cuba invested $24.2 billion in the hotel industry between 2021 and 2023, aiming to boost tourism despite the ongoing decline.
What is the current hotel occupancy rate in Cuba?
As of 2025, the hotel occupancy rate in Cuba did not surpass 21.5%, underscoring the deepening crisis in the tourism sector.