Entrance fees for Greek museums and archeological sites are to increase significantly, doubling and even tripling in some cases, during next year’s tourist season, from April to October.
Following the approval of Greece’s Central Archeological Council late on Tuesday, the admission fee for Greece’s ancient sites is to rise next year as part of a bid by Greek authorities to increase revenue and bring prices closer to those charged in other European countries for access to museums, Greek news website eKathimerini reported.
The Federation of Greek Travel Agents said onWednesday the hike would drive tourists away.
The price of tickets will only increase from April to October, Greece’s extended tourist season, but the rest of the year they will remain at the current level, according to the plan.
The leftist-led government says current charges are “unacceptably low”.
It argues additional revenues could offset austerity measures demanded by international bailout creditors, such as higher taxation on all private education.
Authorities hope the planned change will bring in some €21 million. It is hoped that the revenue will offset the amount lost following a decision by the first SYRIZA-led government to abolish the 5-euro fee for visits to state hospitals, eKathemirini quoted an anonymous source in the culture ministry as saying.
