Havana unveils its newest landmark—the towering Selection La Habana hotel, a structure that redefines the city's skyline. As the tallest building, reaching 150 meters along the city's horizon, it dominates views with its sleek design and 542 luxury rooms. Managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, this ambitious project has not even opened its doors yet and already fuels controversy amid Cuba's pressing economic challenges.
The hotel, known locally as the K and 23 building, stands at a crossroads of criticism. Many Cubans question the government's investment priorities, as millions are poured into luxury tourism amidst a severe economic crisis. Havana resident and artisan, Susel Borges, voices a common sentiment: All that money could have been spent to build hospitals and schools, she remarks, pointing out the obvious disparity.
Strategically perched near Habana Libre and the renowned Coppelia ice cream parlor, the Selection La Habana is part of a state-sponsored initiative to erect a series of luxury hotels, largely concentrated in Havana. This ambitious plan persisted through the COVID-19 pandemic, even as existing hotels struggled with low occupancy rates.
Once a vibrant driver of economic growth, Cuba's tourism sector has faltered. In 2024, the island reported just 2.2 million visitors, a stark contrast to the 4.2 million tourists that flocked to the island in 2019. Authorities cite a labyrinth of challenges leading to this downturn, from supply shortages and energy crises to staffing issues exacerbated by emigration and meager wages. Notably, increasing U.S. sanctions further restrain the tourism industry's recovery, with travel restrictions and bans on cruise ships among the critical hurdles.
Julio García Campos, a classic car driver, reminisces about a time when tourists eagerly lined up for tours in vintage cars. Tourism is gone, he laments, his statement underscoring a broader sentiment shared by many in the industry who thrived during the tourism booms of the past.
Despite Cuba's economic turmoil, the luxury hotel aligns with state-owned conglomerate GAESA's steady expansion. GAESA operates under the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces and circumvents audits by the Comptroller General’s Office, leading to criticisms of opaque financial management. The cost details of the 40-story project's investment remain undisclosed.
Eminent Cuban economist Pedro Monreal criticizes the evident misalignment in funding priorities, where agricultural investments lag alarmingly behind tourism expenditure. With food insecurity at the forefront, it's troubling that agriculture receives 11 times less investment than tourism, Monreal highlighted in a recent social media post.
Architectural reviews reinforce the contentious discourse, pointing out the hotel's incongruous presence and the breach of urban development protocols. Abel Tablada, an architect and professor, critiques the edifice for its poor bioclimatic design, deeming the use of glass unsuitable for Cuba’s tropical climate. This building shows what should not be done, he states, reflecting on the missed opportunities to add meaningful value to Havana's urban landscape.
As Cuba navigates a turbulent economic period, the Selection La Habana stands as both a symbol of modern luxury and a flashpoint for broader issues concerning resource allocation. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how such investments will impact the island's appeal in a competitive global tourism landscape.