Where is the proof that money from tourism is going to the people of Cuba?

Question

I recenty visited Cuba on holiday and was shocked by the poor living conditions and rationing of basic items such as soap, toilet paper, pens. Some of the farm buildings had no electricity or running water. With the billions brought in by tourism surely this should be happening?

Sorry above should read shouldn't be happening. Apologies

Answer 1

Tourism is important to the Cuban economy (currently accounting for $2B revenues within the country's $37B GDP). But your question could be asked of any place, couldn't it? What proof is there that money from tourism is going to the poor people in the slums of Liverpool, Washington DC, Paris, or Johannesburg?

I have two observations that lead me to believe that tourism dollars are being distributed widely (as opposed to narrowly, as we have in capitalist countries).

First, my observation in Cuba was that the disparity in income between the wealthiest and the poorest was the smallest compared to a dozen other countries I've visited.

Second, ordinary people in Cuba told me that things had been extremely difficult at the beginning of the special period, and they have gradually improved since then. These improvements have coincided with the development of tourism and mining. So, as the Cuban economy has grown, so too has public spending.

Also, keep in mind that (1) public infrastructure projects are hugely expensive, especially in a country with so many people living in rural settings and (2) given the poor state of infrastructure, production of consumer goods would not be a priority.

If you have a concern that Cuban citizens have a low standard of living, you might look at Cuba's nearest neighbour, just 70 miles to the north, as well as the collapse of sugar prices and the cessation of subsidized imports from the Soviet Union.

I think it's monstrously unfair to compare Cuba with the African kleptocracies.

Answer 2

There is no proof, it's that simple.
Cuba is still under a lot of sanctions from America and much of the counry's wealth is controlled by Castro and his government.
Cuba is a very poor country as well and it is impossible to make enough from tourism alone to improve the quality of life for the whole country in an instant.
The same happens in the Dominican Republic to a certain extent, although their largest industry is now tourism and they have special tourism colleges etc nd their economy has improved significantly through tourism. Nevertheless it is still a very poor country in comparison to Britain or most European nations.

Answer 3

Hi, I dont think there is any proof. When I went to Cuba for my honeymoon, we used to tip the maid who cleaned our rooms regularly (she was excellent and I am sure the money she got from us in 2 weeks was more than she earned in a month). Also, when we went into Havana, if you tried to photograph someone, or go into a museum, the people were always asking for money (politely).I think Castro knows about this and probably encourages it (unofficially of course!).

Answer 4

The education system in Cuba is second to none, its one of the best in the world, the hospitals have all the best equipment in them, the dentists are better than any in the world, yes the housing is pretty basic but they are making that better as fast as they can, no one is starving in Cuba, everyone is looked after health wise and educated really well, its what they know, when I was in Cuba this year I met the most beautiful wonderful people I have ever met in my life, the Cubans are fantastic people as poor as they are they would give you their last penny.

Answer 5

well im cuban and sometimes i wish i could help the people there when the power goes off sometimes it comes after hours i wish my country could be much better and more money for the people and babies that are being born.when i was born i had to sleep with my parents until i was 4 thats when i came to this country.......plus fidel castro is greety

Answer 6

One way to make sure your money is going to the people of Cuba is to give it too them directly, e.g. make sure you tip well! When I went there I spent most of my money on tips.

Answer 7

Because Castor said so, what do you think? Or... just ask the millions of Cubans in Miami! They'll tell you!

Answer 8

70% goes to the state. Of that, Castro gets to keep about 69.9% of it for himself, if he so chooses. He has a VERY large cigar bill!