In response to a high-profile crown jewels heist that exposed significant security and infrastructure vulnerabilities, the Louvre Museum in Paris has approved a substantial ticket price increase for non-European visitors. Starting January 14, 2025, entry for those from outside the European Union will rise from 22 to 32 euros, a move aimed at financing an urgent and costly modernization plan. This „Louvre New Renaissance” project, estimated at up to 800 million euros, seeks to overhaul obsolete systems, ease crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031. The decision follows the museum’s acknowledgment that its last major renovation in the 1980s is now technically deficient, a point underscored by the October theft of jewels valued at 88 million euros.
This policy is part of a broader trend across France, championed by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, as major cultural institutions grapple with the high costs of maintenance and renovation. The Palace of Versailles is considering a similar hike, while the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley has already announced a 10-euro increase for non-EU visitors to fund critical restoration work on its 16th-century wing. Museum directors argue that for many international tourists, who often visit these sites once in a lifetime, the increased cost is negligible and essential for preserving France’s cultural heritage, even as some critics warn it could deter visitors.
The practice of charging international visitors higher fees is not unique to France and is a common revenue strategy at major heritage sites worldwide. In the United States, the National Park Service recently announced plans to add a $100 fee for international tourists at popular parks like Yellowstone to address budget shortfalls and infrastructure strain. Similarly, across Africa, a dual-pricing system is standard, with foreign visitors paying significantly more for safaris and park entries, a model credited with supporting local economies and conservation efforts, such as at South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
While the United Kingdom maintains free admission to permanent museum collections, its recent budget introduced provisions for cities to levy a „tourist tax” on overnight stays. The global shift toward differential pricing reflects a growing consensus that international tourism must more directly contribute to the substantial costs of preserving and securing the world’s most visited cultural and natural landmarks. The revenue from these increases is framed as a necessary investment to ensure these sites remain accessible and protected for future generations.
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Forrás: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/paris-louvre-museum-increase-ticket-101711893.html.