Architect Abel Tablada, brother of diplomat and regime spokesperson Johana Tablada de la Torre, voiced sharp criticism on Monday regarding Cuba's investment strategy in tourism. He shared his thoughts on Facebook, drawing attention to the debris left by the demolished building of the Higher Institute of Industrial Design (ISDI) in Centro Habana.
In his post titled "The Havana We Want: Responsible Use of AI," Tablada argued that tourism in Havana could have been more successful if, instead of funneling hundreds of millions into isolated hotels, the funds had been used for urban projects that integrate various functions, thereby engaging, rather than driving away, the impoverished population.
While acknowledging the impact of "extreme measures of blockade, persecution of hotel chains, or threats to tourists," Tablada was critical of the regime's policies, which have led to "a poor contribution to the urban landscape and quality of life for citizens."
Urban Decay and Missed Opportunities
Tablada visited the site where the ISDI building once stood, demolished in March 2026 by GEICONS after years of decay, partial collapses, and institutional neglect. Using artificial intelligence, he visualized a proposal for urban regeneration in the now-vacant space.
The building, located just 50 meters from the intersection of Belascoaín, Carlos III, and Reina, was closed in 2022 due to structural issues. In July 2024, its facade partially collapsed, and by January 2025, another collapse injured a 78-year-old woman and affected four families. In October 2025, the building was looted, resulting in the loss of historical documents and academic work.
Tablada described the scene as "lamentable and sad, given the building's value, its location, and the impact on the functions of the prestigious school, which had to relocate to Miramar temporarily."
Cuba's Flawed Investment in Tourism
His critique of the regime's hotel-centric model is particularly relevant now. In 2024, nearly 40% of all Cuban state investment went to hotels and tourism, a figure 11 times greater than the combined spending on education and healthcare. Simultaneously, tourism revenue plummeted by about 62% compared to 2019. The military conglomerate GAESA, along with its subsidiary Gaviota, amassed assets in 120 hotels, 62 of which were managed by Spanish chains, with investments in a single major Havana hotel reaching 200 million euros.
This strategy has become even more vulnerable following the Trump administration's sanctions against GAESA, formalized on May 7, 2026, by the U.S. State Department. These sanctions forced Meliá to exit 15 of its 35 hotels in Cuba, and Iberostar to cease operations in 12 locations as of June 1.
The Personal and Political Dimensions
Abel Tablada's stance is particularly significant given his familial ties to Johana Tablada de la Torre, the Deputy Director General for the United States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a key proponent of the regime's official narrative against Washington.
While Johana defends the government's stance, accusing U.S. officials of "interference" and "cognitive warfare," her brother has a history of public denunciations. In May 2025, he condemned the repression following the death of the political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea's mother. In June 2025, he demanded accountability for "where ETECSA's millions went," and in February 2026, he published reflections on blackouts and teacher salaries ranging from $10 to $15 monthly, leading to his expulsion from CUJAE in March 2026, where he was a tenured professor in the Faculty of Architecture.
However, Tablada's criticisms focus on proposing technical and urban improvements without challenging the system's overall legitimacy. In his post, he concluded that solutions would come "with new technologies, accumulated knowledge, and its responsible use by all actors and decision-makers in a democratic environment free from external harassment."
He wrote that a city "that does not blend its cultural heritage with constant renewal, growth, and innovation is a dead city." Similarly, a country that restricts citizen participation, free debate, and accountability faces the same fate.
Rebuilding Cuba will require not only new projects but also the democratic conditions necessary for its citizens to decide and shape their future.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Tourism and Urban Development
Why did Abel Tablada criticize Cuba's tourism investments?
Abel Tablada criticized Cuba's tourism investments for focusing on isolated hotels rather than urban projects that could benefit the local population and improve the city's infrastructure and citizen's quality of life.
What were the consequences of Cuba's hotel investment strategy?
The investment strategy led to a disproportionate allocation of resources to tourism, neglecting essential sectors like education and healthcare. Additionally, the strategy became vulnerable due to international sanctions, which affected hotel operations and revenue.