While foreign tourists to the Capital on an average pay almost 100 per cent more for entry to Delhi's ancient monuments than Indian citizens do, many visitors are receptive to the dual-pricing system which they believe helps preserve the relics, particularly for local populations.
“I would rather spend a little more and have local people access their own culture,” said Jessica, a tourist from Belgium.
This sentiment is echoed by Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) B.R. Mani, who said Indians have every right to see the monuments of their country, but may not always be in a position to pay sufficient entry fees for archaeological upkeep. The reductions are extended past Indian citizens as well.
“When requested, visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries pay the same rates as Indian locals under the AMASR Rules of 1959,” said Mr. Mani. This privilege is extended to tourists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Thailand and Myanmar.
For archaeological sites in Delhi, varying prices for foreigners can amount to an additional Rs. 240 for popular attractions like the Red Fort, Qutab Minar, and Humayun's Tomb - a difference of just 4 US dollars.
However, throughout India the gap of entry fees differs with foreigners paying the largest increase at the Taj Mahal - an additional Rs. 500 compared to Indian citizens, or an added $8.40.
Mr. Mani explained that entry fees have been determined and standardised through the Government of India Gazette under the Guidelines on Ancient Monuments Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) rules of 1959. A study is done every 15 to 20 years for making necessary alterations to entry rates.
“The additional revenue earned through admission tickets of visitors goes to the Consolidated Fund of India and is not directly utilised by the ASI,” said Mr. Mani.
This lack of transparency on the utilisation of additional charges was pointed out by tourists such as Corinne from Switzerland, who, while finding the increase reasonable, would still like to know how the fees are being used.
While many of the world’s most popular attractions, from Italy’s Colosseum to Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Gaza, have one standard admission price for all visitors - local or foreign - India is not alone in charging foreign tourists higher entry fees, just as its fees are hardly comparable in terms of expense on a global scale.
When looking at some of the world’s greatest wonders and most-visited monuments, India's Taj Mahal and Hampi rank 8th and 10th in costliness respectively for entry fees. Additionally, Peru's Machu Picchu, which also practises a dual-pricing system for entry fee charges, has price increase of about $27 for foreigners, nearly four times that of the Taj Mahal.
“For me it is fair because I am enjoying their country,” said Joanna from France, who is visiting India for one week. She explained that her economic advantage, from an increased salary to paying a lower cost of living during her visit in India, more than outweighs additional charges of a reputable archaeological institution preserving these sites.
( The writer was an intern with The Hindu )
