The Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture has increased entrance fees to museums, palaces, and other attractions as of July 15, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
“Among those that have increased in price are museums that are popular Russian tourists have seen a significant increase. For example, a visit to ancient Ephesus, the Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace complex in Istanbul will cost 72 Turkish lira (approximately 800 rubles) instead of 60, while a visit to Pamukkale will cost 60 lira (approximately 660 rubles) instead of 50. In total, 161 museums across the country have seen their prices increase," the report states.
It's worth noting that the Turkish public is outraged by the price hikes, as they were recently raised: in October 2018, prices rose by 50%. Consequently, over the past nine months, museum and tourist attraction prices have increased by 70%.
The tourism industry explained the price increase by saying that they needed to be brought up to the average European level, given the fact that 85% of museum visitors come from foreign tourists.
As ATOR notes, the price increase will not impact the cost of excursions for tour operator clients this season (contracts were signed for the entire season at the beginning of the year).
“But next year prices will certainly be adjusted,” the Association reported.
Source: trn-news.ru