To go or not to go? That’s the question weighing on the minds of Canadians as they reconsider their travel plans to Cuba following a recent government advisory. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some are canceling trips due to concerns over shortages and blackouts, others argue that staying away could further harm Cuba’s struggling economy. So, what’s the truth? Let’s dive in.
For many Canadians, Cuba holds an irresistible charm. It’s not just the stunning beaches or the warm climate—it’s the people, the culture, and a sense of safety that keeps travelers coming back year after year. Take Monique Belliveau, a 53-year-old from Winnipeg, who’s visited the island nearly 80 times over two decades. ‘You fall in love,’ she says. ‘It’s not a wealthy country, but you fall in love.’ From family vacations to solo trips post-divorce, and now with her Cuban husband and son, Cuba has become her second home. They own a house in Holguín, near her husband’s family, and recently spent four weeks at a resort in Guardalavaca. ‘There were no shortages, no power outages, no issues,’ she told CBC News. ‘This travel advisory has only scared everyone.’
And this is the part most people miss: the advisory, issued by the Canadian government, warns of worsening shortages of electricity, fuel, food, water, and medicine—even at resorts. ‘Exercise a high degree of caution,’ it advises. But Belliveau calls it ‘nonsense,’ arguing that canceling trips will only deepen Cuba’s economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by a tourism slump, U.S. sanctions, and internal financial reforms gone wrong. Since 2018, visitor numbers have plummeted by nearly 70%, according to the Associated Press. ‘Canceling your trip now is the worst thing you can do,’ she says. ‘They need us more than ever.’
Yet, not everyone shares her optimism. Katherine Hill, 40, from Bowmanville, Ont., canceled her family trip to Cayo Santa Maria after reading reviews of resorts struggling to feed guests and unreliable transportation. ‘It felt less like preparing for a holiday and more like preparing for a survivalist challenge,’ she said. Others, like Zelia Saliu, 60, from Toronto, are terrified of traveling under current conditions but are unable to cancel without losing their entire investment. Her travel company, Sunwing, insists the destination is ‘fine,’ leaving her with few options.
Here’s the controversial question: Is it ethical to travel to Cuba right now? Some argue that tourism provides much-needed support to Cubans, while others believe it’s irresponsible to visit a country on the brink of humanitarian collapse. The Cuba Tourist Board claims resorts are operating ‘normally and securely,’ but daily blackouts and shortages tell a different story. What do you think? Is it better to show solidarity through travel, or should Canadians stay away until conditions improve? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
