Miami, United States. – In full economic crisis and with severe difficulties in essential sectors such as food supply and sanitary infrastructure, the Gaviota SA tourism group has inaugurated the Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo Hotel, a high standard complex for luxury tourism on the island .
The resort, which is at the destination King JardinesIt has 256 rooms, including suites with a view to Pillar Beach, and exclusive aquatic villas on the bay of Punta El Morro. It is presented as the first beach complex in Cuba without all inclusive regime, with a gastronomic offer of four restaurants and bars that fuse international flavors with local products.
In his account on the social network X, Gaviota SA described the hotel as an installation of “comfort, excellence and personalized service.” For her part, the delegate of the Ministry of Tourism in Ciego de Ávila, Iyolexis Correa Lorenzo, He emphasized on Facebook “quality and comfort” as badges of the new establishment.
However, the opening of this luxurious hotel contrasts with the economic reality of most Cubans, who face galloping inflation and a growing shortage of basic products. Despite the crisis, the tourism sector remains a priority for the Cuban regime, with millionaire investments in hotels that are promoted to attract foreign tourists, while the population faces daily deficiencies.
The complex, which only admits guests over 13, also offers activities such as aquatic sports, beach yoga classes, tobacco and rum tastings, and excursions in jeep by protected natural areas. Its location close to the second largest coral barrier in America makes it an attractive destination for diving and other recreational activities.
Although the island regime insists on the construction of hotels, the national tourism sector closed 2024 with 2.2 million international travelers, which represents a decrease of 9.6% compared to the previous year and the worst figure in 17 years (not counting the period of The Covid-19 Pandemia), according to data released by the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI).
This result was well below the initial objectives of the Government, which projected 3.2 million foreign travelers and then reviewed that goal at 2.7 million.
The Onei acknowledged that the weakness of tourism in Cuba, for years one of the fundamental engines of the national economy, is related to the serious economic and energy crisis suffered by the country and with the US sanctions. Among these restrictions is Washington’s refusal to grant rapid visas (this) to whom they have visited the island in the last decade.
Even so, tourism remains strategic for the stabilization plans of the Cuban government, since its contribution to GDP and the collection of currencies are traditionally located only behind professional services and remittances.
