Does the average tourist to Cuba realize that they are pampered by the Cuban gov't while the people suffer?

Question

People should be aware of the true nature of the communist government in Cuba and its aparteid-like treatment of its own people, instead of travelling to Cuba as tourists that are ignorant of these facts. Tourist money goes to the totalitarian regime and not to the people. The Cuban government keeps tourists from visiting certain areas to hide the oppression. Regular Cuban citizens are kept out of the hospitals, hotels, and restaurants that are open to tourists. Keep all of this in mind and do research on these issues before you travel there.

Answer 1

I beg to differ on that. Even in countries where there is supposed to be full democracy and 'equality', you never truly find that to be 100%. Richard K is right in that even in North America, not everyone can afford all the 'high-end' lifestyles either.

In fact, in Cuba, Cubans have the best medical care. I personally know Cubans who have had surgeries and hardly have any scars, have healed well, and have never had any serious problems after that because they actually got the best treatment. They have excellent dental care and have no problems getting treatments. Even here in Canada where we have supposedly 'free' healthcare, it's limited if one wants to have different treatments other than what the government will provide for free. And if one cannot afford it, the government won't necessarily help and you will have great difficulty getting it, if even.

I've been to Cuba and tourists DO get to visit areas where you think the government tries to hide oppression. I've been to the areas where they're extremely poor. I've been to some of the markets that you know are in poor conditions. But I've also been to banks and stores where they're in GOOD condition in the so-called 'poor' areas. Even in affluential North America do we see 'poor, run-down' areas and 'good' areas as well.

And Cubans DO go to restaurants an dother places that are open to tourists. Locals are allowed to mix with visitors. It seems like you haven't been to Cuba yet. Too bad you haven't because you're actually missing out on a lot of amazing culture and wonderful hospitality. The Cuban people aren't afraid or ashamed to show you how and where they live. They will invite you to their homes (which are very clean by the way) and they take pride in their living and homes. They look after their families and look out for each other.

And they have free education...EVERY ONE of them and can pursue any career they want. Many Cubans know at least 3-4 languages (especially those who work in the travel/tourism industry). Doctors are well taken care of and if they need anything such as a home or a car, the government will provide it for them. I know this firsthand because a Cuban doctor explained their situation.

As well, I've been to resorts that are for tourists and there were Cubans who actually stayed there for their vacation. Even though many say they're not allowed (such as at Tryp Cayo Coco and in Santa Lucia), they were there. I have played volleyball right on the beach with Cuban residents who were allowed to visit for the day and have spent time talking with the families who were there for a few days on their vacation.

So please try to look at all sides before making full judgment and condemning other places. People don't have choices as to where they're born and we could have easily been born in Cuba and not be able to know any other life easily.

And as tourists, we DO help Cuban citizens to live. They do make money and we help contribute to their life's wages.

Funny thing...you mentioned apartheid-like treatment. Don't you think you see that attitude and treatment in all parts of the world, communist or not?

In fact, in Cuba, as a foreigner you wouldn't be able to easily get a job if a Cuban can get it first. They will train and educate their own and have them get employment before you or I will.

Do some research and I recommend that you travel there and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Cubans and their culture. You'll want to go back again.

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I don't believe anyone here is trying to minimize your feelings. But you also do not live in North America or elsewhere in the world where you think everything is perhaps perfect. There are pros and cons in every place one lives.

No one is romanticizing Cuban situation. We DO realize that life is very difficult. But even in the society we live in, it's not that easy either. In fact, there are many who were born and raised here who may need government assistance and yet they at times do not get it before someone from another country who comes as with a refugee status. Sometimes they end up living better than those who live here in Canada.

I'm very sorry that you don't feel that we are trying to understand the situation in Cuba. It is true that while on vacation, things seem so perfect. But that's vacation, anywhere.

The same goes when we are at home ourselves. Many living right here in our big city cannot afford things others can. There is a lot of segration as well right here. Education is free up until the end of high school. If you can't afford to pay for your education, many struggle to get jobs. You can get government loans, but you still need to pay it back. And honestly, there are many in this 'better world' who are living in 'HIGH' debt and struggling to even put food on their tables. And health care can be a real issue. Many cannot afford medical treatments that are necessary. Even if the government takes care of it, it is very limited and you still have to pay extra to get what you need.

But I do have a hard time understanding how Cuban citizens are kept out of hospitals and restaurants that are open to tourists. Cuba has one of the best medical care systems for Cubans, too. But I know that in other Caribbean islands, their healthcare system isn't that good those that are as tourists can't get the best help. That also goes for the locals, whom I personally know, and had to leave their country to go somewhere else. And how is it that when tourists go to restaurants and places of entertainment that Cubans are actually there mingling and enjoying themselves as well?

In every country there is segration...in Cuba and in ours.

Obviously you were able to find your way out of Cuba. So be happy you did this for yourself and I'm sure you're doing all you can to assist anyone you are close to that is still living in Cuba and has not been able to leave yet.

I wish you all the best.

Answer 2

I can assure you that what you said is not true.

I wonder where you get this (false) information.

Have you ever been in Cuba to research all this first hand ??? I did and I know it's not true.  

Money goes to the people in many ways:

1. Free education

2. Free medical treatment

3. Subsidized basic food supply ( the libreta ration)

4. Subsidized , water and electricity, transport.

Every tourist is free to go where he/she want to go....execpt military instalations. Cubans can freely enter each hotel, hospital , restaurant.

Not allowed for a Cuban is to sleep in an hotel without being married , this to avoid prostitution in the hotels. Not a allowed for Cubans is to enter restaurants, events, tourist bars without comsumption , this to avoid begging and annoying tourists.

tony

http://www.havana-guide.com

Answer 3

And I'd just like to add - please go and ask a representative sample of Cubans if they would prefer foreigners to visit or not - everything else remaining the same. I am sure the vast majority (of all political views) will say that they prefer tourists to come to Cuba. (And I wouldn't be surprised if the largest group of noes were the really die-hard communists who seen foreign tourists as a bad influence).

Please show me one restaurant where a Cuban with money cannot go. (Hotels, yes, there are restrictions, but restaurants, no). And please don't tell me there are no Cubans with money - there are many - the artists, entertainers, the owners of casas particulares.

And apart from military zones, please point out what areas I cannot visit.

Answer 4

Obviously you are someone who believes tourists should not go to Cuba.  You fail to realize when we go to Cuba it does not mean most of us support Castro any more than when we  visit  the U. S.  does it mean we support  George Bush.   Many Canadians do not go to  high end restaurants and resorts in Canada either because we can't afford them.  Whether you agree or not when we go to Cuba we create employment for thousands of Cubans who would not have jobs were it not for the tourist industry.a little more.    Cubano20 has most likely never set foot in Cuba and gets most of his information from disidents in South Florida,  Many of those people are the descendents of the murderers, rapists and thieves who  Castro released from prisons in the 1980's who then fled to the U. S.  He might ask himself what those people and the elite who fled when Batista left with millions of dollars in cash in their suitcases ever did for Cuba except enrich themselves.  Cubano should go to Cuba and experience the real thing before he criticizes those of us who do and have some albeit not very much  first hand experience with the Cubans who actually live there.  One of my favorite memories of Cuba  is sitting on  the beach at Guardelavaca sharing a bottle of rum with a family from Holguin who were enjoying their day off at the beach.

Answer 5

It's stupid to believe that helping Cuba to stay poor by blocking it will cause a regime change. The Communist Party is there, it'll stay for a long time probably, better if the Cuban people has a decent standart of life. The money of tourism do goes to the people, of course there is corruption but not all money is stolen, of course. Don't care about the hospital cause Cuban people has one of the highest life expectancy at birth in the world.

Answer 6

yeah but i need a tan

Answer 7

Totally agree with you!

Answer 8

Cuban people welcome the economic advantages of tourism. It's a major industry.

I've visited a regular Cuban hospital and it looked fine with excellent doctors. There is universal health care.

If you are worried about restricted areas, think about a little personal tour around the Pentagon or an american military base....