Raul ends tourist apartheid; opens hotels to Cubans

Since been confirmed as president Raul Castro has allowed Cubans with foreign cash to buy computers, DVD players, plasma televisions and in the coming days cell phones, consumer goods only companies and foreigners were previously permitted to buy.

However the latest surprise, allowing ordinary citizens into luxury hotels and resort beaches long reserved for rich foreigners, is a particularly symbolic victory for Cuba's everyman.

Nevertheless the measure is largely symbolic since tourist hotels in Cuba can cost anywhere from 60 to more than 200 US dollars a night, well out of reach for most Cubans who on average earn 20 dollars a month.

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