Canadian Tourist Sues Sunwing Over Cockroaches and Filth During Cuban Vacation
Deanna Lang, a Canadian tourist, has filed a lawsuit against the Canadian agency Sunwing after experiencing horrifying conditions during her vacation in Cuba. Lang claims that instead of enjoying a relaxing stay at Memories Varadero Beach Resort, she encountered cockroaches, filth in common areas, and even theft in her guest room.
Lang, a 34-year-old mother of five, expressed her disappointment with the deteriorated state of the complex. She stated, Cockroaches were running everywhere: on the walls, in the corners of the room, under the bed. She further added that the resort, particularly under Memories Resort and Spa, a subsidiary of Sunwing, did not provide sufficient food, water, toilet paper, or cutlery for the guests.
Despite making multiple complaints to the staff at the complex and visiting the Sunwing office, Lang claims her issues were not addressed. In addition, when she reached out to Sunwing personnel in Canada for help, her requests went unanswered.
Lang waited over four months for a response from Sunwing regarding her reimbursement claim. However, after receiving a meager $100 voucher offer on August 29, she decided to pursue legal action. Sunwing claims they have no proof that Lang requested assistance during her trip.
The lawsuit was filed on October 27, and to date, Sunwing has not provided any documentation in their defense. A hearing is scheduled for January 29. Lang believes Sunwing plans to shift the blame to her, the travel agency she used to make the reservation, and the overall situation in Cuba.
Responding to Lang’s allegations, a Sunwing email shared with the press highlighted that Cuba is considered a third-world country with limited resources and struggling tourism facilities. Lang argued that this pertinent information was not included in the agency’s promotional materials, stating that she should have conducted further research about the complex before making her reservation.
These testimonies from international travelers to Cuba reflect a growing concern about the condition of tourism services on the island, including safety issues. Recently, the Canadian government issued a travel warning to its citizens regarding their trips to Cuba, advising them to increase their precautions due to rising crime rates, shortages of food and medication, and other concerning factors.
The warning emphasizes that Cuba is facing chronic shortages of basic items such as food, bottled water, medications, fuel, and hard currency. This news raises questions about the ability of tourism complexes in Cuba to maintain acceptable conditions for guests.
In conclusion, Deanna Lang’s lawsuit against Sunwing sheds light on the disappointing experience she and her family endured during their Cuban vacation. It serves as a reminder for travelers to carefully consider their choices and research destinations thoroughly to avoid similar issues. As the hearing approaches, all parties involved await the court’s decision on the matter.
