The Transnationalization of Labor Markets: Tourism, Inequality, and Revolutions in the Global South—a Comparative Ethnographic Study in Havana (Cuba) and San Cristóbal De Las Casas (Mexico)

This multi-site ethnographic research, conducted in Havana (Cuba) and San Cristóbal de las Casas (Mexico), explores the entrepreneurial practices of privileged migrants from the Global North. Attracted by the unique political and social contexts of these destinations, many of these migrants rely on tourism-related income to sustain their livelihoods. They run a variety of activities, including casas particulares (guest houses), hostels, restaurants, tourist agencies, guided tours, open spaces for workshops, yoga and language classes, and more. This paper investigates how these migrants leverage their privilege to integrate into local markets, analyzing the strategies they use to navigate the distinct political, economic, and social conditions in Cuba and Mexico.

The research highlights how, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, different forms of capital—economic, social, and cultural—enabled these migrants to adapt and thrive in challenging environments. By focusing on their privileged positions, the study sheds light on the power asymmetries between international migrants and local populations. While their activities contribute to the local economy, they also reinforce inequalities and perpetuate neo-colonial dynamics. These phenomena raise critical questions about the nature of globalization and tourism, which, despite being spaces of opportunity, also foster resistance and conflict. Local actors increasingly challenge these unequal power structures, underscoring that the globalized tourism industry remains a site of ongoing struggle in both the Global North and South. This research ultimately contributes to a deeper understanding of how transnational migration reshapes labor markets and social relations in tourism-dependent regions.