Economic analysts have concluded that Cuba’s tourism sector operates as an unviable business, as evidenced by occupancy rates far below the breakeven point required for financial sustainability. This structural inefficiency stands in stark contrast to Caribbean competitors, which have managed to recover to levels close to those seen before the pandemic, while Cuba has accumulated a significant gap that shows no signs of closing in the short term. The sharp decline in international visitor arrivals and the reduction in average length of stay have generated serious negative repercussions for the island’s overall economy. The insufficient recovery prevents tourism from acting as an economic growth driver, leading to questions about the rationality of maintaining excessive investments in hotel infrastructure when the current market neither justifies nor sustains them. This analysis is relevant to open data because it highlights the critical importance of using transparent official statistics to audit public management and efficiently allocate state resources. It reveals how opacity or the selective use of data can mask embezzlement and the diversion of funds toward private interests, underscoring that the accessibility and accuracy of information are essential for understanding the true economic dynamics and preventing systemic corruption.
Source:Published on 2023-03-17