Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Louvre Museum in France confirmed on the 28th that it will raise ticket prices for tourists from most non-EU countries starting next year.
According to AFP and French BFM TV, the Louvre Museum management revealed that the move to raise ticket prices for tourists from multiple countries has been approved at a Louvre Museum board meeting.
The disclosed details show that the Louvre will raise ticket prices for tourists from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) from the current €22 to €32, a 45% increase, starting January 14th next year. The EEA includes EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
French Culture Minister Dati stated earlier this year that the Louvre would implement "differentiated" ticket prices next year, with foreign tourists from non-EU countries paying higher fees. Several other French national cultural institutions may also implement similar "differentiated" ticket prices, including the Palace of Versailles, the Paris Opera, and the Château de Chambord.
According to official Louvre data, the Louvre received 8.7 million visitors last year, nearly 70% of whom were foreign tourists, with the United States being the largest group. The Louvre expects raising ticket prices to bring in an additional €15 million to €20 million annually, helping to "address structural security problems at the Louvre."
The Louvre suffered a major theft on the 19th of last month, with eight pieces of jewelry stolen from the "Apollo Gallery," which displays the French royal family's jewelry and diamond collection. Paris prosecutors revealed that the stolen jewelry was worth €88 million. Several suspects have been arrested, but the stolen jewelry remains unaccounted for. Louvre Museum Director Charles de Carl stated last week that the Louvre will strengthen security measures to prevent theft. (End)
