April 01, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 23, 1429

HAVANA, March 31: The Cuban government has allowed its nationals to check into the country’s hotels previously reserved exclusively for foreigners, hotel employees confirmed on Monday.

“Yes, we have received such instructions, and they are already in effect,” an employee of the Copacabana Hotel said.

The reform introduced by the new government of Raul Castro was also confirmed at the Cuban capital’s Nacional, Victoria, President and Melia-Habana Hotels.

But Cubans wishing to stay at these four- or five-star places will have to pay for their rooms in hard currency, just as foreign guests.

Up to now, the only Cubans allowed to stay in these hotels were newlyweds on their honeymoon and distinguished workers and students. By 2006, the number of these Cubans reached 750,000, while the cost of their staying at the hotels reached $57 million.

Last Friday, the government lifted a ban on the use of cellphones by the island’s citizens. Mobile phones were a luxury mainly reserved for foreigners and government staff.—AFP