Are you planning your itinerary for a trip abroad? If you have the following destinations to your bucket list for the year, be aware that they can be a lot more expensive in 2024 as compared to the past. Many of them have hiked the entrance fee and other charges to find funds for conservation and sustainable development. Do not forget to carry extra money in case you are planning to visit the following spots:
Machu Pichu, Peru
Machu Pichu, situated in the Andes Mountain ranges, is an ancient citadel of the Inca civilization. As the growing crowds have posed a risk to the fragile remnants, the Peruvian government has decided to collect entrance fees from visitors from 2024 onwards. The income thus earned would be used for the conservation of Machu Pichu.
Venice, Italy
Venice lures visitors from all over the world with its beautiful canals and romantic ambiance. However, the city has been struggling with mass tourism. In 2024, the government introduced a tourism tax to safeguard the unique culture and lifestyle of Venice.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
The Yellowstone National Park is home to unique species of flora and fauna. Its scintillating ecology is what draws millions of visitors every year. However, the overwhelming number of tourists has been disturbing the extremely fragile ecology of the park. In 2024, the authorities announced a hike in the entrance fee for visitors. This would be used for conservation of the park and for various developmental activities too.
The Great Wall, China
The Great Wall stands as a magnificent example of human hard work and creative prowess. However, prolonged conservation is essential to retain the charm and historical significance of the Wall. So, in 2024, a hike in ticket fares and surcharges have been introduced during the peak season.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands, known for its spectacular natural beauty and ecology, is a haven for nature lovers. However, mass tourism has been posing threat to the already fragile ecology of the islands. In 2024, Ecuador government decided to increase the entry fee. This amount would be utilized for conservation activities and for supporting environment-friendly tourism projects.
Paris, France
It’s been quite some time since Paris, which is one of the most visited cities in the world, has been struggling to strike a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and promoting tourism. The city authorities have announced plans to introduce tourism tax for accommodation facilities in 2024. The income thus generated would be used for developing local infrastructure and for city development. This would, in turn, help the visitors to enjoy Paris.
Taj Mahal, India
Millions of people visit the Taj Mahal which is a fine example of spectacular architecture and immortal love. In 2024, the Indian government introduced a hike in the entrance fee. This would be helpful for the conservation efforts of the Taj Mahal which has been declared a heritage site by UNESCO.
Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon, sculpted by the Colorado River has always inspired awe in the visitors. The National Park hiked the entrance fee in 2024 to support the maintenance projects and other services here.
Petra, Jordan
The most visited tourist spot in Jordan, Petra is an ancient city carved out of sandstone. The scintillating art of ancient stone sculpturing that has turned the deserts of Jordan into a mesmerizing wonderland still attracts tourists and art lovers. The Jordan government introduced an entrance fee in 2024 to control the number of visitors and for preserving the fragile stone structures.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia built by the Khmer dynasty is included in UNESCO’s list of heritage sites. It is one of the most sacred landmarks in South East Asia. The entrance fee was revived by the Cambodian government, in 2024, to conserve and protect this ancient archaeological wonder.
