Responsible tourism in Cuba

So – understand that the “changes” that creeping capitalism may bring will actually be welcomed by many Cubans, proud as they are of their history and independence. And many visitors, once they see the reality of life on a Cuban ration book, accept and welcome this, too.

However, the sudden boom in tourism - with numbers doubling in the space of a decade - seems to have taken Cuba by surprise. While an increase in business and a boost to the economy are much needed, the Cuban government and the tourist industry need to act fast to ensure that the country doesn't succumb to overtourism, and the negative impacts on communities and the environment that this entails.

This of course poses problems for travelers, who are encountering a lack of rooms, crowded restaurants and public transport. In hotspots such as Old Havana and Trinidad, they may find themselves surrounded by other tourists, rather than Cubans. The high hotel prices are even harder to stomach given the often poor standard of facilities, and of the service (hotel staff are usually state employees, and English is not widely spoken). More concerning is the problems it is causing for Cubans. Since the US trade embargo, the island has suffered food shortages and has had to become largely self sufficient in terms of food production. While the number of visitors has risen hugely, food supplies have not, and as hotels and restaurants can pay higher prices than local shops and residents, the scant supplies are often ending up on tourists’ plates [4]. Farmers would rather sell their produce in the private markets, where prices are not as subject to government control, than on the highly restricted state markets, and Cubans have reported not being able to afford staples such as onions and tomatoes,. While some Cubans have benefitted from the tourism boom, it has made life much harder for many others. Given the failure by the Cuban government to plan something as important as food, their aspiration to “double hotel capacity by 2030” [5] is particularly worrying.

What you can do
Visit Cuba outside the peak December to April season, to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Old Havana, Trinidad and Viñales are beautiful, of course, but do try and spend some time in lesser visited areas too. This means you are less likely to contribute to overtourism, while at the same time benefitting the economies in poorer parts of Cuba such as the east, around Santiago and Baracoa, for example.

Be conscious of your consumption. Even water is limited, as many Cubans rely on pumps, and in dry season, shortages can be severe. Your Cuban hosts may be going without so that you can have long showers, so be considerate.

Speak to your travel company about donations - see below for more information on this.

See our overtourism section to understand more about this issue, and get tips and insights on how to avoid contributing to the problem.

Sources:
1. Reuters, January 2018
2, 3. Cuba Business Report, January 2017
4. The Independent, May 2017 and The New York Times, December 2016
5 Easy Voyage, 2016