Higher fees for foreigners visiting US national parks stokes tourism concerns

"A $100-per-person charge for foreigners entering Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and other popular national parks is stoking apprehension among some tourist-oriented businesses that it could discourage travelers, but supporters say the change will generate money for cash-strapped parks."

"The new fee was announced Tuesday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and takes effects Jan. 1. Foreign tourists also will see a sharp price increase for an annual parks pass, to $250 per vehicle. U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80 for an annual pass. The change in policy puts the U.S. in line with other countries that charge foreigners more to see popular attractions."

"At the Whistling Swan Motel just outside Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, owner Mark Howser estimates that about 15% of his customers are foreigners. They come from Canada, China, India, Spain, France, Germany and elsewhere, said Howser, who also runs a bakery and general store. Those visitors already pay up to $35 per vehicle to enter the park. Adding the $100-per-person charge for foreigners, Howser said, is a sure-fire way of discouraging people from visiting Glacier. "It's going to hurt local businesses that cater to foreign travelers, like myself," he said. "You're discouraging them from seeing something in the country by attaching a fee to that experience.""

A $100-per-person entry fee for foreign visitors to major national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, will take effect Jan. 1, announced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Foreign tourists’ annual parks pass will rise to $250 per vehicle while U.S. residents retain an $80 annual pass. Officials say the change aligns the U.S. with other countries and will raise revenue for cash-strapped parks. Motel owners and tour operators serving foreign clients warn the fee could discourage visits and harm local, tourism-dependent businesses, noting significant shares of their customers are international and uncertain whether park visitation will continue.

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