The writer Claude Arpi cribs about foreigners paying a little extra to see our Taj Mahal and other places, but he seems to forget that to view some of the most exotic attractions in India, the foreign tourist has to pay a mere $10-15, which is peanuts when compared to see some silly places in the world where the tourist has to dish out $60 onwards per person.
To see a ridiculous places like the CN Tower the charge is $35 per person + tax, or for the Eiffel Tower it is $55. For Empire State Building it is $45....and so on.
I don't see this as a discrimination if a 'white' (as he refers to) or a foreigner has to pay a few rupees more while visiting touristic places in India.
In Israel, to see a synagogue one has to pay a ridiculous amount of money; while in India the foreigner can visit and even dine for free in historic religious places like the Golden Temple in Amritsar or some other religious place.
RE:Claude Arpi's non-sensical comments on India
by arvind on Oct 21, 2006 06:24 AM Permalink
daljeet my friend, the fact remains that there is still discrimination with reference to ticket prices. the author is not complaining about the 'steep' price, all he is saying that India's image takes a hit when it openly practices such discrimination. even though you get ripped off at places like the CN tower you still pay the same amount as a mexican brazilian russian or a chinese. youve clearly misinterpreted his point.
RE:Claude Arpi's non-sensical comments on India
by on Aug 20, 2007 03:36 AM Permalink
Your numbers are wrong and your point is weak. The CN Tower is less than $20, the Eiffel Tower ranges from 4-11 Euro, and the Empire State Building is less than $17. The point of the article is that all of these attractions do not change their prices based on nationality or race. The discrimination in India is uncomfortable for visitors and pushes people away from spending money more freely or coming to India at all. There are many destinations around the world that are free. There are many destinations around the world that do not charge different prices based on nationality or race. That approach in India would go a long way to improve the view from other countries. India has a great opportunity to have a tremendous tourism industry. Foreigners are willing to spend more money, but not for the same exact thing. An experience, a meal, a nights stay, all areas of opportunity... The article is on the mark, that is the view of another world traveler.
