Board chairman U Thein Tun said the fee would go directly toward the upkeep of the pagoda.
“It’s not the same as the charge paid to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. This fee replaces the old camera use charge,” he said.
“Most tourists don’t want to pay the camera fee so although we have to arrange many things for foreigners … we get nothing back. This new charge is designed to raise more funds to do renovations at the pagoda and beautify the hill.”
The increase has not gone down well with some in Mandalay’s tourism industry, however. U Win Zaw Oo, secretary of the Mandalay branch of the Myanmar Tourist Guides Association, said the issue had resulted in some “clashes” between trustees and tour guides.
He said that tourists already pay US$10 for a Ministry of Hotels and Tourism ticket that grants them entry to a range of sites around Mandalay, including Mandalay Hill, and charging extra could hurt the city’s image.
“We don’t think the trustees should be collecting entrance fees like this at the pagoda,” he said.
A new board of trustees was installed at Mandalay Hill in September 2012 and has introduced sweeping changes at the pagoda, including widespread repair works and the demolishing of illegal shops.
The board has also proved adept at raising more funds, with revenue of K600 million generated over the past year.
U Thein Tun said the board has used the money to make visits enjoyable and comfortable for both locals and foreigners.
“We have also posted security guards on the pagoda platform and security cameras as well so tourists and pilgrims will be safe during their visit,” he said.
Trustees also recently cleared vendors to expand sightseeing areas at the hilltop pagoda, which offers stunning views of Mandalay, the Ayeyarwady River, Sagaing hills and the Shan plateau.
source: The Myanmar Times
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