Why Two-Tiered Pricing Is Spreading Across Tourist Destinations

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I noticed this for the first time while traveling through Thailand, and it stayed with me. Travel has opened the world to millions, offering experiences that once seemed out of reach. But it has also created serious challenges for the places we all want to visit. Cities, parks, and historic sites are buckling under the weight of record crowds, forcing many destinations to rethink how they manage the crowds. One of these solutions is two-tiered pricing—charging tourists more than locals—to protect fragile resources, ease pressure on local communities, and ensure that these places survive for future generations. Here’s why it is happening, where you are likely to encounter it, and how it could change the future of travel.

Table of Contents

• What Is Two-Tiered Pricing?
• Countries Already Using Two-Tiered Pricing
• My Experience with Two-Tiered Pricing in Thailand
• Why Destinations Are Choosing Two-Tiered Pricing
• The Downsides and Frustrations
• A Growing Trend

What Is Two-Tiered Pricing?

Two-tiered pricing means residents and foreign visitors pay different prices for the same experience. In most cases, locals pay a lower fee. Visitors, especially those from overseas, pay more.

The idea is simple. Locals already contribute to the upkeep of parks, temples, and museums through taxes. Tourists, while important to the economy, add wear and tear without the same year-round investment. Charging tourists a little extra helps cover those costs and fund improvements.

Countries Already Using Two-Tiered Pricing

Thailand has long used two-tiered pricing at national parks, temples, and museums. Locals often pay around 20–50 baht (less than $2), while foreigners typically pay 100–400 baht ($3–12 USD) depending on the attraction. Although signs do not always make it obvious, the practice is widespread and generally accepted in Thailand.

Japan is the latest country to announce official two-tiered pricing. Starting in July 2025, foreign tourists will pay higher entry fees at major attractions. For example, at some temples and parks, locals may pay 500–1,000 yen ($3–6 USD), while foreigners could pay double or more as part of the new policy. After welcoming a record 36.8 million visitors in 2024, Japan needed a new way to manage the growing crowds.

Egypt uses tiered pricing at some of its most famous sites. At the Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian citizens pay 60 EGP (around $1.25 USD), while foreign visitors pay 450 EGP (around $9.25 USD).

Indonesia charges different entrance fees at places like Komodo National Park. Indonesian citizens pay about 75,000 IDR (around $5 USD), while foreigners now pay around 400,000 IDR ($25–30 USD) for basic entry, with even higher fees for diving permits.

India has practiced tiered pricing for years. At the Taj Mahal, Indian citizens pay 50 INR (about 60 cents), while foreign tourists pay 1,100 INR (about $13 USD).

Kenya uses a three-tier system at national parks and wildlife reserves. Kenyan citizens might pay 300–500 KES ($2–4 USD), residents about 1,200–1,500 KES ($9–11 USD), and foreign tourists $70–100 USD per park visit depending on the season.

Morocco has informal tiered pricing at times. While official ticket prices at major sites like palaces or ruins may show 20–30 MAD ($2–3 USD) for locals and 50–70 MAD ($5–7 USD) for tourists, bargaining at markets or taxis often reveals even sharper differences based on whether you are seen as a local or a visitor.

My Experience with Two-Tiered Pricing in Thailand

I noticed this firsthand during my travels through Thailand. Our friend Suwat, a local Thai, joined us at many attractions. He often entered places like Honoki Land, Doi Inthanon, Dantewada Land of Angels, and Wat Chalermprakiat either free of charge or at a much lower price. Sometimes the difference was small. Other times, it was hard to ignore. It didn’t bother us because we understood the reasoning behind it. Suwat lived there, paid taxes there, and supported these places in ways we did not.

However, we noticed other tourists were quite upset when they realized they were paying more. Some grumbled loudly at ticket counters. Others refused to enter at all. For us, it felt like part of the experience — a reminder that we were visitors, not locals. But it was clear that not everyone saw it that way. I can imagine this is even harder to accept if you are not just a tourist, but an expat who now calls that country home.

Why Destinations Are Choosing Two-Tiered Pricing

Many destinations say it is about fairness. Locals should not be priced out of their own beaches, parks, and cultural treasures. These places are part of daily life for residents, not just vacation highlights. By charging visitors a little more, communities can keep these spaces affordable and accessible for the people who live there year-round. It also helps reduce resentment that can build when locals feel pushed aside by waves of tourists.

Others see two-tiered pricing as a necessary tool for sustainability. More money from tourism means better maintenance, better conservation, and better experiences for everyone — visitor and local alike. Without extra funding, popular sites can quickly suffer from overuse, litter, and crowding. Higher tourist fees help hire more staff, build stronger infrastructure, and preserve natural and cultural landmarks for the future. In many ways, two-tiered pricing is one way destinations are trying to protect what travelers come to see in the first place.

The Downsides and Frustrations

Not every traveler welcomes the idea. Some feel singled out or unwelcome when they learn they are paying more. For travelers on a tight budget, the price difference can feel like a penalty for simply being a visitor. Others worry about transparency — when prices are not clearly marked or explained, it can feel unfair and even dishonest. Travelers may leave with a negative impression if they believe they were charged more without their knowledge or consent.

Clear signage, clear communication, and delivering real value help avoid resentment. If visitors understand upfront why they are paying more—and see that their money supports maintenance, conservation, or local development—they are more likely to accept the difference. Most travelers understand paying more when it is openly and fairly handled. Respect, honesty, and a clear explanation often matter just as much as the amount charged.

A Growing Trend

As global travel numbers surge past pre-pandemic levels, expect to see more countries adopting two-tiered pricing. It is not about punishing tourists. It is about striking a balance between welcoming the world and preserving what makes these places special in the first place.

Before you travel, it is a good idea to check if your destination uses two-tiered pricing. A few extra dollars on an entrance fee can help protect the places you came to see — and make sure they are still there for generations to come.

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