In the last few months,Turkish officials have enacted sweeping hikes in the price of admission to museums and ancient sites despite a drop in the number of visitors this year as reported by the Hurriyet Dailey News. This has naturally made some tourism operators worried that the rise will further detract visitors.

The entrance price for Ephesus, Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia have all increased from 30 to 40 Turkish Liras. One of the five most visited cities in world, Antalya, saw a decline in tourist numbers for the first time this year.

For 2016, ticket prices have been increased for most ancient sites and museums operated by the Turkish Travel Agencies’ Union (TÜRSAB). The rise at Olympos has hit 400 percent, with the five-lira price skyrocketing to 20 liras. Many experts believe that the rises are inexplicable at a time when the tourism sector in Turkey needs a boost. The new ticket prices will go into effect on Jan. 4, 2016.