Brian J. Simmons, Kent, England
Entry pass for cathedral
I have been following the recent correspondence concerning the entrance charges for St John's Co-Cathedral. As a regular tourist I appreciate that the upkeep of such splendid buildings, used by many tourists who wish to enjoy Malta's rich heritage, should not be subsidised by the local population.
I live close to Canterbury Cathedral in England and as a local rate tax payer I have a special card that permits me access to the cathedral, free of charge, whenever I want. Tourists have to pay an entry fee.
Would it not be possible for a scheme in Malta to be established where the Maltese may gain full access to the co-cathedral by showing their identity cards? Surely this would solve all the problems. Local visitors could, of course, make a donation when they visit, should they wish to do so.
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Anne Marie Kissaun
Jun 8th 2008, 10:52
I do agree with Mr. Brian Simmons, to a certain point, however, when overseas, visiting museums and other places of interest especially in the Cities, do not come cheap. I do agree with the gentleman that students and other under 18 and the 60 + should either be allowed in free or, at least, given a discount .
I recently had guests visiting and took them to view the co. Cathedral. We arrived at about 3.15 p.m. therefore, by the time we went round which took us nearly an hour and got to enter the Museum at 4.15 p.m. to our dismay and disappointment this had closed. I felt really embarrased as I had been talking a lot about the tapestries to my foreign friends. I spoke to a gentleman who seems to have been in charge but got no joy out of him, the only reply I got, and I quote"this is how it works, we start closing at 4.15 p.m." no apologies. No customer care whatsoever. May I suggest that visitors entering at that time of day should be informed, as is done overseas, that one needs at least 1 1/2 hrs. to see the lot. Thank you.
Joseph E Briffa
Jun 7th 2008, 23:31
I agree 100% that the fees to museums in Malta are on the high side; for one thing they should be free to the over 60s and to under 18s, therby encouraging the youngsters and the elderly tio visit more often. A donation would obviously be appreciated. I am sure that lower fees would attract more visitors.
Saviour Sam Agius
Jun 7th 2008, 14:33
Are you sure that's allowed according to EU law? Wouldn't that account for discrimination against tourists who are equally EU citizens?
A Grech
Jun 7th 2008, 10:55
If not mistaken, te Gozo Cathedral charges entry fees to non-Maltese residents only, which is fair. St George's Basilica in Victoria Gozo is worth a visit and entry fee is free while donations will be appreciated.
One serious problem I see in Museums, etc, is that the entry fee is too high and some are ridiculously high and somehow the administrators haven't realized that such high prices are keeping visitors away . Lower prices means more visitors and they will also entice repeat visitors.