In brief
The National Park Service will implement a new fee structure for international tourists starting January 1, 2024, charging an additional $100 for entry at certain attractions, including Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. The annual park pass for foreign visitors will increase to $250, while U.S. residents maintain a fee of $80. This change follows recent budget cuts and staffing reductions. The fees intend to support park maintenance, with exclusive fee-free days for U.S. residents to ensure accessibility to national parks.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service announced on Tuesday that starting January 1, 2024, international tourists visiting U.S. national parks will incur an additional fee of $100. This adjustment comes amidst efforts to prioritize American residents by instituting resident-only fee-free days. Following major staff reductions, budget constraints, and financial losses due to the recent government shutdown, the parks are seeking new revenue streams. This fee policy will affect popular sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.The annual parks pass fee for international visitors will also rise to $250, contrasting with the $80 pass for U.S. citizens. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated that these adjustments will ensure fairness in contributing to park upkeep while maintaining affordable access for American taxpayers.Critics have raised concerns about the implications of these new fees, particularly at a time when parks are aiming to enhance visitor services and facilities. National Parks Conservation Association’s spokesperson Kati Schmidt emphasized the need for clarity in implementation of these policies.The U.S. Travel Association has indicated that in 2018 alone, over 14 million international visitors explored national parks. These new fees are intended to aid in the restoration and improvement of park facilities, aligning with upcoming fee-free days designated for U.S. residents, including Veterans Day. Overall, this new fee strategy is part of a broader initiative to reinforce funding for national parks while managing visitation impacts.
