Cuban tourism downturn: New hotels being built despite visitor numbers

[El Presidente]

 

 

 

 

[chris12381]

In 2022, Cuba spent 44 times more on new tourism infrastructure than on public health and hospital infrastructure and 13 times more than on agriculture.  

It's almost as if there's a few select people in the Cuban government who benefit financially from these construction contracts with foreign hotel chains... 🤔

 

[helix]

So sad. Nearly 4000 building collapses in only 14 years. Its said to be up 2 a day. 😬

[Corylax18]

On 1/5/2024 at 4:00 PM, helix said:

So sad. Nearly 4000 building collapses in only 14 years. Its said to be up 2 a day. 😬

That's just in Havana. The part of the country that gets the "most" maintenance. The entire country has been falling apart for the last 30+ years. Its depressing. 

For the first time in 8 Years, I just don't see my self making a trip to the island this year. It's less fun and more work than its ever been. There is no longer any benefit to buying cigars there, flight prices are higher than ever as airlines have abandoned route after route into Cuba. I'm sure I'll go back again some day, but things are going to have change significantly before that happens. 

I linked another timely article from the Havana times on MLC cards (another government run scam on tourists) and how big of a PITA they are. It's just one more reason, on top of countless others, why tourists have stopped coming to the island. 

https://havanatimes.org/features/a-scam-on-tourists-paying-with-cubas-mlc-cards/

[El Presidente]

6 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

That's just in Havana. The part of the country that gets the "most" maintenance. The entire country has been falling apart for the last 30+ years. It's depressing. 

For the first time in 8 Years, I just don't see my self making a trip to the island this year. Its less fun and more work than its ever been. There is no longer any benefit to buying cigars there, flight prices are higher than ever as airlines have abandoned route after route into Cuba. I'm sure I'll go back again some day, but things are going to have change significantly before that happens. 

I linked another timely article from the Havana times on MLC cards (another government run scam on tourists) and how big of a PITA they are. It's just one more reason, on top of countless others, why tourists have stopped coming to the island. 

https://havanatimes.org/features/a-scam-on-tourists-paying-with-cubas-mlc-cards/

I love the people. Unfortunately 90% of those I love are now in the USA/Europe/Central America. 

While I say unfortunately, I am thrilled for them. The ones remaining in Havana and farms are the only reason I would trek back. 

[RoryWoodworth]

The more I browse through this forum and hear stories from friends and colleagues, the more I become weary of my upcoming trip. I've heard there's some food shortages as well as the countless other issues I've heard about through the in-depth information the members here have. 

I think I am most likely not going to cancel it as the price point is very low, which I've come to realize why that is now. Only 1200 CAD per person for a 7 day all inclusive trip, so it's impossible to beat in that sense for me. Also, it will be my first trip to the island as a cigar enthusiast. So I am looking forward to it despite the horror stories I continue to hear lol. In the end it seems the cigars will hopefully be in good supply and I gather quality hasn't become an issue. So as long as I can get some cigars to smoke on their beautiful beaches and relax it won't be all that bad!

[El Presidente]

3 hours ago, RoryWoodworth said:

The more I browse through this forum and hear stories from friends and colleagues, the more I become weary of my upcoming trip. I've heard there's some food shortages as well as the countless other issues I've heard about through the in-depth information the members here have. 

I think I am most likely not going to cancel it as the price point is very low, which I've come to realize why that is now. Only 1200 CAD per person for a 7 day all inclusive trip, so it's impossible to beat in that sense for me. Also, it will be my first trip to the island as a cigar enthusiast. So I am looking forward to it despite the horror stories I continue to hear lol. In the end it seems the cigars will hopefully be in good supply and I gather quality hasn't become an issue. So as long as I can get some cigars to smoke on their beautiful beaches and relax it won't be all that bad!

Go and enjoy 

I can't recall how many times I have been to Cuba but it has always been ever changing. 

Go with the right attitude and you will have a grand time. 

[chris12381]

3 hours ago, RoryWoodworth said:

The more I browse through this forum and hear stories from friends and colleagues, the more I become weary of my upcoming trip.

Nah.  I've been going to Cuba on and off since 2003 and I agree with @El Presidente You should go. You just might make some lifelong friends. I know I have.

Of course, none of them live there anymore... 🤣 

[Corylax18]

2 hours ago, VeguerosMAN said:

Interesting.  There are at least 2 mega tall hotels being built along Ave 23 in Havana and doesn't look like they will be able to finish the construction. 

It just one and it will be the tallest building on the island when its finished. Which it will. Why wouldn't it?