The trust which backs Toitū Otago Settlers Museum has come out against charging out-of-town visitors, saying the move would lead to confusion.
"Out-of-town visitors bring revenue for local businesses in Dunedin, some of which translates into additional income for council — clipping the ticket again is unnecessary."
He said it was likely to cause those eligible for free admission to believe they should arrive with proof of
that eligibility.
"Furthermore, the resulting confusion will create a perceived barrier to some of those entitled to free admission."
Visitation was likely to significantly decrease with entry charges and the trust believed a drop in numbers being only temporary was a "false expectation".
In the OSA’s written submission, he said some international visitors would have an existing connection to the museum, through relations or as Tangata Whenua.
"It is unreasonable for them to pay to see taonga and collections items once owned by their ancestors."
The levels of donations the museum currently received was also at risk of decreasing with lower numbers.
The OSA believed the most productive approach to increase revenue was with a greater emphasis on donations through messaging, signs and dialogue when staff engaged with visitors.
Goals could be achieved by continuing how they were going, with good management and innovation "which is already evident in the present management".
Mr Dowsett said Dunedin needed to welcome all visitors and the proposed charges were a barrier.
Cr Andrew Wylie asked Mr Dowsett whether Toitu and the OSA had engaged with Te Papa and worked out what benefits they had seen in introducing a international visitor charge.
Mr Dowsett said the OSA was aware Te Papa was running a scheme that was based on a trust model.
However, he said it was not their job to manage the situation.
"We were asked to express a view on it and that is what we are doing.
"We believe that the downside of a dramatic reduction in visitation is too serious for us to give support to charging for entry."
