ABEL:

Abel, the son of foreign diplomats, has lived abroad and holds degrees in international relations and multiple languages. Despite his impressive educational background, he is part of a growing trend among Cubans who are leaving state-sponsored jobs requiring higher education to pursue professions in hospitality and tourism. The average state salary of 4,500 Cuban pesos (CUP) amounts to approximately $170–$190 USD per month at the official exchange rate of 1 USD to 24 CUP. However, the Cuban peso is significantly weaker on the domestic black market. As of May 2024, the effective exchange rate was closer to 1 USD to 350–400 CUP, reducing the real value of a state salary to just $10–$15 USD per month. In contrast, jobs in the food service, hospitality, and transportation sectors that serve tourists can generate the equivalent of a year’s state salary in just a few days or weeks.