WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service said Tuesday it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular U.S. national parks, while leaving them out of fee-free days reserved for American residents.
The announcement, described as 'America-first entry fee policies,' comes amid significant budget cuts and staff reductions the parks have faced, in addition to the impacts of a recent government shutdown. The fee changes will affect 11 national parks, including iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
Starting January 1, 2024, foreign tourists will face an increase in the annual parks pass price from $80 to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to pay $80.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated on social media that these changes aim to ensure U.S. taxpayers who support the park service 'continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.'
This follows an executive order from July that directed parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists. Approximately 14 million international visitors frequented national parks and monuments in 2018, according to estimates by the U.S. Travel Association. The revenue generated from these new fees is intended to assist in enhancing park facilities and maintenance.
There are also designated 'resident-only fee-free days' in 2024, including Veterans Day, which was previously one of the parks' eight days open to all visitors. The Department of the Interior has indicated that its goal is to ensure accessibility to public lands for everyone.
The National Parks Conservation Association has expressed concerns, with spokesperson Kati Schmidt emphasizing that many questions remain regarding the implementation of these new rules.
The announcement, described as 'America-first entry fee policies,' comes amid significant budget cuts and staff reductions the parks have faced, in addition to the impacts of a recent government shutdown. The fee changes will affect 11 national parks, including iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
Starting January 1, 2024, foreign tourists will face an increase in the annual parks pass price from $80 to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to pay $80.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated on social media that these changes aim to ensure U.S. taxpayers who support the park service 'continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.'
This follows an executive order from July that directed parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists. Approximately 14 million international visitors frequented national parks and monuments in 2018, according to estimates by the U.S. Travel Association. The revenue generated from these new fees is intended to assist in enhancing park facilities and maintenance.
There are also designated 'resident-only fee-free days' in 2024, including Veterans Day, which was previously one of the parks' eight days open to all visitors. The Department of the Interior has indicated that its goal is to ensure accessibility to public lands for everyone.
The National Parks Conservation Association has expressed concerns, with spokesperson Kati Schmidt emphasizing that many questions remain regarding the implementation of these new rules.
