Radio-Canada.ca on Nostr: Cubans face soaring fuel prices as Canadian tourists swoop in for winter getaways ...
Cubans face soaring fuel prices as Canadian tourists swoop in for winter getaways
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The Cuban government plans to raise fuel prices fivefold starting in February 2024 to address its deficit spending and purchase necessary goods from abroad. This increase comes amid an ongoing economic crisis, food and medicine shortages, and inflation of 30%. The fuel hike will have a significant impact on Cubans, as the cost of filling up a 40-litre tank with popular gasoline will soon exceed the average monthly state salary. However, it is not expected to affect the cost of vacation packages for Canadian tourists. Cuba relies heavily on tourism to boost its economy, and deals can be found online for Canadians to spend a week at a Cuban hotel in February for less than $1,000 per person. The Cuban government is opening service stations that will only accept US dollars for fuel to collect foreign currency. However, this may create inequalities as those with access to foreign currency can get what they need while others cannot. Despite the fuel price increase, holiday packages for Canadians are not expected to change significantly as they are priced in currencies that are not depreciating like the Cuban peso. The Canadian market is crucial for Cuba, and the government is likely to protect it. Canadian airline and tourism operators are accustomed to managing fluctuating fuel prices and mitigating their impact. While Canadian visitors may see marginal price increases for food, drink, and services in Cuba, they should remember their privilege to be on vacation while the local population struggles to afford basic necessities.
#Cuba #FuelPrices #CanadianTourists #EconomicCrisis #Tourism
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2041714/cubans-face-soaring-fuel-prices-as-canadian-tourists-swoop-in-for-winter-getaways
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The Cuban government plans to raise fuel prices fivefold starting in February 2024 to address its deficit spending and purchase necessary goods from abroad. This increase comes amid an ongoing economic crisis, food and medicine shortages, and inflation of 30%. The fuel hike will have a significant impact on Cubans, as the cost of filling up a 40-litre tank with popular gasoline will soon exceed the average monthly state salary. However, it is not expected to affect the cost of vacation packages for Canadian tourists. Cuba relies heavily on tourism to boost its economy, and deals can be found online for Canadians to spend a week at a Cuban hotel in February for less than $1,000 per person. The Cuban government is opening service stations that will only accept US dollars for fuel to collect foreign currency. However, this may create inequalities as those with access to foreign currency can get what they need while others cannot. Despite the fuel price increase, holiday packages for Canadians are not expected to change significantly as they are priced in currencies that are not depreciating like the Cuban peso. The Canadian market is crucial for Cuba, and the government is likely to protect it. Canadian airline and tourism operators are accustomed to managing fluctuating fuel prices and mitigating their impact. While Canadian visitors may see marginal price increases for food, drink, and services in Cuba, they should remember their privilege to be on vacation while the local population struggles to afford basic necessities.
#Cuba #FuelPrices #CanadianTourists #EconomicCrisis #Tourism
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2041714/cubans-face-soaring-fuel-prices-as-canadian-tourists-swoop-in-for-winter-getaways