In another small move meant to exemplify growing liberties in Raul Castro’s Cuba, the government has lifted a ban against citizens staying at island hotels. Staying at a Cuban hotel was a freedom previously afforded only Cuban newlyweds and “distinguished workers and students”. But there is a catch, today’s edict allows ordinary Cubans access to those hotels only if they pay in hard currency.

In the last few weeks, Raul Castro has lifted other bans, like access to cell phones and household electronics.

Interestingly enough, the change in policy wasn’t announced via the Cuban state media, but rather leaked to the international press via anonymous hotel employees.

The reforms have been met with mixed feelings on the island. Although glad to see restrictions lifted, many Cubans have lamented that meager state salaries prevent them from taking advantage of new freedoms. The items must be purchased with Cuban convertible pesos, a stronger currency than the national pesos paid to state workers. Cubans who earn tips in the tourism industry or receive remittances from abroad have access to convertible pesos.

“It’s good that they’re relaxing these restrictions, but hotels?” Frank José, an electronics store worker, said Monday. “Who is going to pay for that? They can authorize it, but who is going to go?”

The hotel ban was put in place largely to prevent Cubans from mingling with foreign tourists on an island where information is tightly controlled. Some residents speculated that Cuban prostitutes might be among the beneficiaries of the policy change, as it will now be easier for them to meet the foreign tourists drawn to the island for its renowned, though illegal, and relatively inexpensive sex industry.

Havana is one of Latin America’s most expensive cities for tourists, and its hotels — most of which are run by the Cuban military in partnership with foreign firms — are especially pricey. Rooms at the boutique Hotel Saratoga, across from Cuba’s ceremonial capitol, go for an average of $374 a night, according to a listing on the Trip Advisor Web site Monday. A room at the Super Club Breezes Jibacoa was going for $369 a night, and the Melia Cohiba hotel was charging $213 a night.

Hell I can’t afford that! How is the average Cuban expected to?
Cuban state workers make an average of $19 a month. On that salary, it would take nearly two years to earn enough for one night at the Saratoga. Similarly, car rentals in Cuba — also managed by the military — are among the most expensive in Latin America, with vehicles typically going for as much as $100 a day. Most residents are banned from buying private vehicles, though thousands in Havana own 1950s American cars.

So are these small changes meaningful or do they represent crumbs meant to satisfy the masses and the media? Maybe Raul is paving the road with small changes (yeah more consumerism!) in anticipation of larger change?

Via / The Latin Americanist, Washington Post