Furious tourists have criticized Greek officials over plans to introduce “elitist” tourist prices for exclusive access to the Acropolis.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and has become a must-see destination for tourists from around the world.
The historic site, located in Athens, usually receives around 22,000 visitors a day during the peak summer season, which inevitably leads to overcrowding.
To alleviate overcrowding and offer a more intimate experience, the Greek Ministry of Culture has introduced a scheme allowing small groups of up to five people to explore the site outside of normal hours.
However, the proposed price of £4,285 (€5,000) for a small group has sparked outrage among travellers, including Jackie and Malcolm Love, who were recently left baffled by the proposed rates.
Furious tourists have criticized Greek officials over plans to introduce ‘elitist’ tourist prices for exclusive access to the Acropolis (file image)
The couple, from Ipswich, had visited the Acropolis in April and, upon encountering crowds of tourists at the site, opted to experience it from a distance.
Talking with him guardianJackie explained, “We didn’t go, not with all those people.”
The Loves debated taking a private tour instead, but were stunned after discovering the sky-high cost of an “exclusive” tour led by experts.
Malcolm, a truck driver, said: “We couldn’t afford that,” while Jackie added: “Crazy prices.” Certainly not for people like us.
According to the new scheme, up to four groups of five people each will be able to enjoy guided tours led by expert archaeologists in exclusive time slots from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., times outside the official opening and closing hours.
This initiative aims to give tourists a more intimate and less crowded experience of the historic landmark before thousands of tourists ascend the rocky hill.
Nikoleta Valakou, president of the Hellenic Organization for the Development of Cultural Resources, a body linked to the Ministry of Culture, said: “We have been receiving requests from tour operators for this for a long time.”
According to Valakou, the ministry is willing to allow guided tours for individuals as long as they are willing to cover the €5,000 group fee, which could result in the Culture Ministry earning up to €40,000 (£34,124) a day.
The historic site, located in Athens, usually receives around 22,000 visitors a day during the peak summer season, which inevitably leads to overcrowding (file image)
To alleviate overcrowding, Greek officials have introduced a scheme allowing small groups of up to five people to explore the site outside of normal hours (file image)
However, the proposed price of £4,285 (€5,000) for a small group has sparked outrage among travelers (file image)
According to the new program, up to four groups of five people each will be able to enjoy guided tours led by expert archaeologists from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (file image)
The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and has become a must-see destination for tourists from around the world (file image)
Despite the high cost, Valakou adds that the tour offers additional incentives, including souvenir gifts to tourists. However, for many tourists, prohibitive prices remain a major deterrent.
However, the decision has sparked anger among tourists and native Greeks, with Costas Zambas, who led restoration work on the Acropolis for more than 25 years, criticizing the move.
He told The Guardian: ‘It’s just elitist. The very notion goes against the spirit of a place we associate with democracy. It doesn’t feel good.
Valakou has said the Culture Ministry has accepted the criticism and insisted that “revenues will be reinvested” as the recently proposed Acropolis tour remains a “pilot program that will be open to change.”
It comes as London’s tourist attractions have seen the biggest holiday price rise in 50 years, according to new Which? report. Analysis of changes in the cost of travel.