WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service said Tuesday it is going to start charging the millions of international tourists who visit U.S. parks each year an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular sites, while leaving them out of fee-free days that will be reserved for American residents.
The announcement declaring 'America-first entry fee policies' comes as national parks deal with the strain of a major staff reduction and severe budget cuts, along with recovering from damage during the recent government shutdown and significant lost revenue due to fees not being collected during that time.
The fee change will impact 11 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Starting January 1, foreign tourists will also see their annual parks pass price jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80, according to the department’s statement.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the changes ensure U.S. taxpayers, who support the park service, can enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving parks for future generations.
This announcement follows a July executive order by President Donald Trump directing parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists.
Kati Schmidt, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed that there are many questions about the implementation of this policy which the organization will raise with the Department of the Interior.
The U.S. Travel Association estimated that in 2018, national parks and monuments saw more than 14 million international visitors. The government asserts that this new fee structure will provide critical funding for park upgrades and maintenance.
The 'resident-only patriotic fee-free days' for next year will include certain holidays, such as Veterans Day, which were previously open to all visitors. The Department of the Interior highlighted that they aim to ensure access to green spaces and public lands for everyone, regardless of their location.
