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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRussians vanish from Cuba beaches, casting doubt on tourism recovery
By Marc Frank
VARADERO (Reuters) - When planeloads of Russian tourists left Cuba this week, their vacations interrupted by war in Ukraine, it marked a sad day in the resort town of Varadero, a visible sign the conflict will rattle the island nation's fragile economy.
Varadero, a finger of white sand extending out into the blue Caribbean sea, has long been a magnet for Russians fleeing the northern winter.
In 2021, with much of the world hunkered down amid the coronavirus pandemic, visitors from Russia soared to 40% of total arrivals in Cuba, according to government figures.
Varadero's beaches, usually teeming with tourists at this time of year, are suddenly quiet, said Yanet Costafreda, who sells trinkets to tourists along the palm-fringed streets.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russians-vanish-cuba-beaches-casting-111104466.html
dalton99a
(81,073 posts)Not fun when your currency is worthless
COL Mustard
(5,783 posts)The latest exchange rate:
One ruble is worth 0.0075603611 US Dollars. Less than 3/4 of a cent. Amazing what sanctions are doing...we really need to keep it up.
70sEraVet
(3,430 posts)denbot
(9,894 posts)Now its < .075 = $1.00
doc03
(35,148 posts)is going to build a wall to keep them in again.
Wingus Dingus
(8,049 posts)trying to pay their restaurant bills and bar tabs first.
COL Mustard
(5,783 posts)To see the beaches before they're all developed. Unfortunately it's not possible now but maybe, someday.
BannonsLiver
(16,162 posts)They give the ugly American a run for his/her money.
dalton99a
(81,073 posts)Magoo48
(4,659 posts)and normalize relations.
70sEraVet
(3,430 posts)localroger
(3,605 posts)...and when your airline industry is imploding due to the sanctions, well, no Cuba trip this year.
xmas74
(29,658 posts)Many Americans would make the trip for honeymoons, spring break, even medical tourism. I know some classic car guys who'd hop on a plane asap to fly there. A couple of baseball fans I know would also make that trip.