Emmanuel Macron's got a point: Why shouldn't we charge tourists to see our treasures? Catherine Bennett
Briefly

President Emmanuel Macron proposes raising entrance fees for non-EU visitors to finance the renovation of the Louvre, which has elicited mixed responses, particularly among British media. Initially interpreted as targeting Britons post-Brexit, the initiative will apply globally, redirecting tourist contributions to cultural improvements. This proposal echoes earlier suggestions from British curator Sir Mark Jones, who advocated for similar measures to enhance UK museums. With many museum staff underpaid amidst increased tourism, the conversation highlights the ongoing struggle for cultural funding in a post-Brexit landscape, questioning the future of UK and EU cultural exchanges.
Macron’s proposal to increase entrance fees for non-EU visitors to fund the Louvre renovation has drawn mixed reactions, highlighting the complexities of post-Brexit realities.
The idea of charging overseas visitors has roots in prior suggestions, where UK museum leaders believed it could alleviate funding issues while maintaining UK taxpayer access.
Despite its cultural benefits, the increased fees seem to reflect a broader tension regarding Brexit's impact on the UK's global standing and cultural funding.
Jones’ earlier proposal on charging foreign visitors underscores ongoing debates in the UK about funding arts amid economic constraints and the legacy of Brexit.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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