The Greek Culture Ministry said Tuesday it making it easier to rent some of its most iconic archaeological sites for filming and photography for advertisers and other ventures.

The ministry says the money raised would help maintain and protect the sites. The new plan would allow for greater access to the ancient Greek ruins.

Until now, ministry officials have been very selective in deciding which projects were allowed to use the nation's ancient ruins.

In December, the Greek government lowered the rent for many historic sites, including the Acropolis, to about $2,000 per day, a rate which is less than half of the 2005 cost.

The Greek government is trying to negotiate its debt reduction in an effort to secure a new $165 billion bailout to avoid a default on financial obligations it owes in March.