Entry tickets to 24 archaeological sites in Greece to increase slightly (and why they should charge even more)

The cost of entry fees to 24 archaeological sites, museums and monuments in Greece will increase after the Central Archaeological Council (CAC) approved proposals put forward by a working team responsible for determining the new pricing system for sites across the country. According to the proposals, the 2-1 euro ticket category will be replaced by the 3-2 euro class, while there will be an increase in fees in a total of 24 archaeological sites, museums and monuments and a reduction in five sites. The new costs will take effect from 2020 onwards.

The new proposals presented to the CAC took into account statistics and revenue from tickets, the state of the sites, their location, their popularity, the completion of NSRF projects and, in particular, their visitation rate.

More specifically, there will be increases in ticket prices in archaeological sites and museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where the full and the reduced ticket of 10 and 5 euros, respectively, will become 12 and 6 euros.

-In the Archaeological site of the Ancient Agora and Museum of the Attalos Lodge, as well as in the Archaeological Site of Sounio, the entry ticket will cost 10 euros from 8 euros (4 euros reduced) (5 euros reduced).

-The Archaeological Site of the Roman Agora and the Archaeological Site of Dodoni from 6 euros (3 euros reduced) to 8 euros (4 euros reduced).

-In the Archaeological Site of Hadrian’s Library, the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina, the Archaeological Site of Ancient Thera, the Diachronous Museum of Larissa and the White Tower from 4 euros (2 euros reduced) to 6 euros (3 reduced).

I'll be completely honest and say these prices should probably be doubled. The new prices, not the old ones. Why? Because Greece is strapped for cash, and the archaeology budget could use a boost. So many sites are struggling, so many research is currently unfunded--and all of it could increase our understanding and awareness of ancient Hellenic life and worship. I live in The Netherlands where tickets to anything cost $5 - $50, and the $5 things are things no sane person would spend money on. It helps fund these things. It's healthy economy. 

The ancient sites are Greece's main draw--and biggest source of revenue. Make use of it. Pour the money back into restauration and research. Create more sites. Repeat. It won't solve all issues, but a $2 boost is going to solve even less.