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Two Russian tourists, a man and a woman, drowned while swimming at the Varadero resort during adverse weather conditions, the Association of Russian Travel Operators (ATOR) reported this Thursday.
According to the statement from the association, the victims were clients of a Russian tour operator and were at the beach despite the presence of a yellow flag, which warned of dangerous conditions in the water.
They were dragged by a strong rip current and, although rescuers managed to pull them from the sea, they could not save their lives.
The tour operator that organized the trip is in contact with the families of the victims and with the host group in Cuba to coordinate the necessary procedures, reported the Russian media INTERFAX.RU.
According to data from Euroins Tourist Insurance, drownings account for 15% of deaths among Russian tourists abroad, making it the second most common cause of death outside the country after cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for nearly 60% of incidents in 2024.
Tourism in Cuba has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, particularly in relation to the Russian market.
Although in 2023 there was a , reaching 146,300 between January and October, positioning Russia as the third largest source of tourists to the island, for 2024, the Cuban government aims to attract over 200,000 tourists from the Eurasian country, supported by the implementation of the MIR payment system and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
However, recent incidents have affected the reputation of the destination and could influence future arrivals
In March 2024, a notable incident occurred when the Cuban authorities mistakenly sent the body of a Russian tourist to Canada, instead of the deceased Canadian citizen's body on the island. This error sparked outrage in the Canadian family and raised questions about the management of the Cuban authorities in delicate situations.
Recently, in January, a malfunction in the turbine of a Rossiya Airlines airplane left approximately 300 Russian tourists stranded on the Island for over 28 hours, causing discomfort due to a lack of information and supplies.
Later, in March, around 400 Russian tourists were stranded in Varadero due to technical failures in their aircraft, which extended their stay and caused additional inconveniences.
Furthermore, Cuba is going through one of its worst crises since the fall of the Soviet bloc, with frequent blackouts, food shortages, and high inflation. These conditions negatively impact the perception of the country as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
Despite efforts to revitalize the tourism sector, the number of visitors has decreased significantly. In 2019, the island welcomed 4.2 million tourists, a figure that dropped to 2.2 million in 2024.
Factors such as the economic sanctions from the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic, and competition from other Caribbean destinations have contributed to this decline.
In particular, Russian tourism, which saw an increase in 2023, could be affected by recent incidents and the adverse economic conditions in Cuba. The perception of insecurity and logistical difficulties may deter future Russian visitors, further impacting the already weakened Cuban tourism industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragic Incident in Varadero and Tourism in Cuba
How did the Russian tourists die in Varadero?
Russian tourists drowned while swimming at Varadero beach during poor weather conditions, despite the yellow flag warning indicating danger in the water.
What are the main causes of death for Russian tourists abroad?
According to data from Euroins Tourist Insurance, drownings account for 15% of deaths among Russian tourists
How has the crisis in Cuba affected tourism in Varadero?
The economic and energy crisis in Cuba has led to a deterioration of tourist infrastructure, including Varadero. Tourism has significantly declined due to frequent power outages, product shortages, and logistical issues, negatively impacting the perception of the destination as safe and appealing.
Why is the Russian tourist market relevant to Cuba?
Russia has become one of the main sources of tourists to Cuba, especially after the resumption of direct flights and the implementation of the MIR payment system. In 2023, Russia was the third largest source of tourists to the island, and the Cuban government has aimed to further increase these numbers despite recent challenges.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis in relation to tourism?
To mitigate the impact of the energy crisis, the Cuban government has prioritized the use of backup generators in hotels to keep the tourism sector operational during power outages. However, these measures have not been sufficient to address the underlying energy issues in the country.
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