Tourism in Cuba is going through an unprecedented storm. In 2025, tour package platforms such as Sunwing removed hundreds of Cuban hotels from their offerings. Why the change of heart? A combination of power outages, shortages and a loss of traveler confidence. Here's what you need to know. A tourism crisis in figures By 2025, Cuba will see a 30% drop in tourism, with only 2.6 million visitors expected, a far cry from pre-pandemic levels. Hotels, with an occupancy rate of 23%, are struggling to survive. According to experts, recovery will not come before 2029, or even 2030. Reasons for the hotels' withdrawal Platforms point to inadequate conditions: Power outages : Blackouts, frequent since October 2024, disrupt air conditioning and hot water, even in major hotels. Shortages : Fuel, water and food are in short supply, making the tourist experience difficult. Poor service : Travelers report near-deserted hotels, unfulfilled reservations and exorbitant prices for basic commodities. Add to this a loss of air connectivity. Airlines such as Condor and Edelweiss have cancelled flights to Cuba in 2025, limiting tourist access. The impact on Cuba Tourism, a key economic driver, is in freefall. Hotels, especially those dependent on Canadians, are suffering. Competition from other Caribbean destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, is gaining ground. Rafael Durand, CEO of PriceTravel, points out, "Cuba needs to regain travelers' trust, but connectivity and infrastructure are problematic." Tips for travelers If you're planning a trip to Cuba: Check local conditions with reliable sources, such as Travel Reports Canada . Bring essential items (medicines, hygiene products). Avoid unconfirmed online bookings and give preference to reputable operators. Towards recovery? The Cuban government is banking on international promotion and Russian tourists, but structural challenges persist. Without massive investment in infrastructure, Cuba risks losing further ground to its Caribbean neighbors. Conclusion The deletion of Cuban hotels by the platforms is a wake-up call. For travelers, it's a call for caution. For Cuba, it's a major challenge: to restore its image as a dream destination. In the meantime, the road to recovery promises to be long and full of pitfalls. Sources: CubaenMiami.com , CiberCuba , Travel Tips

Save space in your suitcases with compressible bags! When you're packing for a trip to Cuba, you always want to bring as much as you can  - whether for yourself or to share with your Cuban friends. But between clothes, small gifts, toiletries and all the rest, space quickly runs out... That's where squeezable bags become your best allies! What is a compression bag? Compressible bags (also known as compression bags) are simple pouches in which you store your clothes or items, then remove the air to reduce their volume. Some models close with a watertight zip system, while others use a valve to let the air out manually or with a vacuum cleaner. Result: saves up to 75% space  in your suitcase! Why use them? ✅ Optimize every cubic centimeter of your luggage ✅ Bring more stuff without exceeding weight limits ✅ Separate clean and dirty clothes on the return journey ✅ Protect your clothes from moisture or odors ✅ Keep your belongings organized and visible The perfect tip for generous travelers If you're like me, you love bringing gifts, clothes, school supplies and the like for your Cuban friends. But fitting all that into a single suitcase can quickly become a headache... With compressible bags, you save space without sacrificing what you want to give! So, are you ready to pack like a champ ? Don't forget: every centimeter you save is another souvenir or gift to bring to your friends in Cuba 💼

Introduction to Fish Species in Varadero Varadero, located on the Hicacos peninsula, is known for its magnificent beaches and waters rich in marine life. Whether you're a snorkeler admiring the coral reefs or a fisherman looking for a sporting catch, Varadero's waters offer a fascinating diversity of fish. This article explores the species you can observe, focusing on snorkeling and fishing activities, while taking conservation regulations into account. Snorkeling fish species The best snorkeling spots in Varadero include Coral Beach  and Jibacoa Beach , which are part of protected marine reserves. These sites are home to healthy coral reefs, where a variety of reef fish can be observed. Although an exhaustive list is not always available, the following species are common in Cuban reefs and likely in Varadero: Species Description Typical habitat Parrot Bright colors, parrot-like beak, grazes coral Coral reefs Damselfish Small, territorial, often blue or yellow Around corals Butterfly Striking patterns, long snout, common in reefs Coral reefs Angel Elegant, tall body, long fins Coral reefs Clown Sometimes near anemones, less common Reefs with anemones Surgeon Scalpel-shaped spine, often in schools Coral reefs Grouper Larger, rests under ledges, several species Reefs and crevices Snapper Active predator, large eyes, prominent jaws Coral reefs Barracuda Sometimes in schools, fast predators Shallow waters near reefs Tarpon Large silvery scales, often near the surface Coastal waters and reefs Tip for snorkelers : Be careful with fire coral , which can cause skin irritation. Wear a wetsuit or shoes to protect yourself. Fishing species Varadero is also a great place for fishing, with opportunities both on and off the coast. The waters off the Hicacos Peninsula are rich in sport fish, as indicated by operators such as Varadero Guide . Here is a list of common species: Species Description Typical habitat Sailboat Large dorsal fin, acrobatic jumps, prized catch Deep water, open sea Marlin White and blue marlin, impressive in size Deep waters, open sea Tuna Several species (yellowfin, bigeye, yellowfin, etc.) Deep waters, oceanic shoals Wahoo Slender body, fast, excellent taste Coastal and deep waters Barracuda Aggressive, often caught in drag Coastal waters and reefs Snook Found near mangroves, fighting spirit Coastal waters, river mouths Tarpon Large scales, combative, popular sport fish Coastal waters and reefs Shark Like the blacknose shark, can be regulated Coastal and deep waters Swordfish Deep-sea species, caught on the high seas Deep water, open sea Needle Long, beak-like snout, often near the surface Coastal waters and reefs Deep-sea fishing trips generally depart from Marina Chapelin and last from 3 to 7 hours, with all equipment provided. Other notable species Other interesting fish can be observed or caught, including: Cuban sawfish : A prehistoric fish, most common in fresh or brackish waters Goliath Grouper : Critically endangered species, up to 8 feet long. Bonefish : A favorite of fly fishermen, found in shallow sandy flats. Permit : An elusive catch, often targeted by experienced anglers Conclusion Varadero, Cuba, is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts, offering a diversity of species for snorkeling and fishing. From colorful reef fish like parrots and butterflies to sport catches like marlin and sailfish, Varadero's waters promise an unforgettable experience. By complying with regulations and adopting sustainable practices, you're helping to preserve this ecosystem for future generations.