Operators of tours to Cuba are concerned that the picture presented in the major media of the hurricane damage to the island will discourage travel to Cuba.
"Unfortunately, there has been quite a bit of misreporting on conditions in Cuba," said Bob Drumm, president of Alexander + Roberts. "The all-inclusive resorts on the Cuban keys are not relevant to American travelers, for example."
As always, the travel industry must contend with conflicting purposes with regard to major media, which always want to show the most dramatic pictures possible of any news event. But, tour operators say the media images misrepresent what is really happening on the ground in Cuba now.
"The good news is that Cuba us not as bad as reported or as most people think," said Tom Popper, president of insightCuba.
"Individuals across the island are suffering, as they are in the Keys and other places. But, fortunately, much of island escaped major damage. Havana is up and running. Electricity is back. Water's back. The worst damage was localized in the north central area, where there are resorts that cater to Canadians and Europeans. Most Americans don't travel there."
Although Irma was the largest storm ever recorded, its effects on Cuba were not as extraordinary as might be expected.
"We saw photos of the flooding on TV," said Popper, "but in Havana that is a typical scene. It happens annually, when the hurricanes come the water comes over the sea wall and runs a couple of blocks into the city. This time the water came with greater force and further into the city. But by now it is all receded. They are cleaning up the debris.
"It's such a different scenario there," said Popper. "A friend of mine down there was sending me pictures of people hanging out hours after the storm, saying, 'Look at me, I'm swimming in front if my house!'"
Cuba's way of dealing with hurricanes is characteristic of the unique quality of Cuban culture. The people are used to dealing with adversity, and certainly with hurricanes.
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"Cuba encounters many hurricanes and is expert at recovery from both wind and flooding," said Drumm. "It's actually exporting its skills through personnel to other Caribbean islands."
The great resilience of the Cuban people is a resounding theme throughout its history.
"Cuba is resilient and accustomed to handling storms as well as power outages," said Pamela Lassers, director, media relations. "We've been told that in a couple weeks, Havana, as well as most of the other major regions, will be able to fully welcome visitors. The central region was the hardest hit, and towns such as Remedios will take longer to get back to normal."
"A lot of media reports portray it as worse than it is," said Popper. "For tourism the story is: We're here with arms wide open. Don't turn away from us! The fact that there was damage and people are suffering make it even more important to go and support them."
Although individual citizens in some places, especially along the shore, are suffering from the damage, Popper said, "For travelers' safety and comfort it is all there, all up and running."
"We're operating," said Drumm. "Our next departure is this Friday. Our custom people-to-people trips are happening, as well. Since the final programming for the people-to-people interactions between Americans and Cubans is done just prior to departure, we've been able to sidestep the few problems that have arisen.
"Since hurricane season is the lowest travel period in Cuba, we have had no cancellations due to Irma. Our biggest concern is the erroneous perception of difficulties in Cuba that might impede bookings as the peak season approaches. That would be most injurious to the Cuban people and our industry."
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