AP — Greek Central Archaeological Council approved an increase in ticket prices for archaeological sites and museums across the country, which travel agents say could hit the country’s key tourism industry.
Starting in 2016, the ticket to visit the archaeological site of Acropolis will cost 20 euros, (10 euros reduced ticket price), as opposed to its current price 12 euros (6 euros reduced ticket price). The ticket price to the archaeological site of Knossos will reach 15 euros (reduced: 8 euros) from 6 euros (reduced: 3 euros). To visit the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae tourists will have to 12 euros, compared to the current entry price of 8 euros.
Prices for the most visited museums, the National Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, will increase to 10 euros (reduced: 5 euros).
These prices will only apply during the summer season, from April to October. Ticket prices will will be reduced by 50% in the winter months, while every first Sunday of the winter season, admission will be free.
The most popular sites attracted more than 6 million visitors in the period January-June this year.
The ministry of Culture justified the increase by saying that current charges are “unacceptably low.” It argues that this price increase is enough to offset austerity measures demanded by international bailout creditors, such as higher taxation on all private education.
