The Louvre Museum in Paris has raised the price of its entry tickets for people from outside Europe by 45 percent. Museum officials say the additional funds will be used for purposes such as modernizing facilities and equipment.

The museum entry fee rose from 22 euros to 32 euros, or around 37 dollars, on Wednesday. It applies to visitors from outside the European Economic Area, which consists of EU nations plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some say the dual pricing is unfair.

(Visitor from Australia)

“It would be better if it was just a flat rate for everybody. I definitely don't have a particular preference for segregating one over the other.”

(Visitor from Japan)

“If the money is used to support cultural activities, I guess there's nothing we can do.”

Museum officials said they expect an annual revenue increase of up to 20 million euros, or about 23 million dollars.