Cuba’s tallest building in Havana raises questions about government spending priorities as the nation grapples with economic and tourism crises
A towering presence amid Havana’s struggles
The newly built Selection La Habana hotel, managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, dominates Havana’s skyline with its 40-story, 150-meter structure. Nestled near landmarks like the iconic Habana Libre hotel and the Coppelia ice cream parlor, the hotel boasts 542 luxury rooms and sweeping views of the city and sea. However, the hotel’s opulence has drawn sharp criticism from locals and experts alike as reported by The Associated Press on January 24.
As Cuba endures its worst economic crisis in decades—marked by food insecurity, blackouts, and a dramatic decline in tourism—many Cubans question the allocation of millions of dollars to luxury tourism projects.
“All that money could have been spent to build hospitals and schools,” said Susel Borges, a 26-year-old artisan, voicing the frustration of many Cubans who see the towering edifice as a symbol of misplaced priorities.
Tourism woes and misaligned investments
Once a lifeline for Cuba’s economy, tourism has plummeted. In 2024, only 2.2 million tourists visited the island, a significant drop from pre-pandemic levels of 4.2 million in 2019. The government attributes this decline to a combination of supply shortages, energy crises, staff shortages due to emigration, and tightened U.S. sanctions. These measures, including a ban on cruise ships and restricted travel by U.S. citizens, have stifled growth in the tourism sector.
Despite dwindling tourist numbers, the Cuban government has continued its ambitious push to develop luxury hotels, with Selection La Habana being the most prominent example. Critics like Cuban economist Pedro Monreal have pointed out the stark contrast between tourism investments and underfunded sectors like agriculture. “Agricultural investment remains 11 times lower than tourism investment,” Monreal said, highlighting food insecurity as a pressing issue that requires more immediate attention.
Architects have also voiced concerns, criticizing the hotel’s height, which violates urban regulations, and its glass-heavy design, unsuitable for Cuba’s tropical climate. Architect and professor Abel Tablada described the building as a “perfect example of what should not be done,” lamenting the lack of bioclimatic consideration and the allocation of limited state funds to a project with questionable value.
The broader implications for Cuba
The Selection La Habana hotel is more than just a new building—it is a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between Cuba’s government priorities and the needs of its people. While tourism projects promise future revenue, the current economic climate demands urgent attention to basic necessities like food, healthcare, and energy.
The opacity of GAESA, the military-run conglomerate that manages the hotel and other state-owned tourism ventures, has only fueled skepticism. As the island continues to grapple with severe economic challenges, many Cubans are left wondering whether such investments truly benefit the population.
Original Article on The Associated Press.
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