National Parks To Increase Fees For International Tourists

The move also comes after President Trump signed an executive order directing the parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists.

The National Park Service announced plans to increase fees for international tourists who visit U.S. parks each year.

The announcement proclaimed “America-First Entry Fee Policies” and comes as National Parks have faced significant staff reduction and major budget cuts. That’s on top of recovering from damages during the recent government shutdown as well as crucial lost revenue due to failure to collect fees during that time.

The move also comes after President Trump signed an executive order directing the parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists. The fee change is expected to impact 11 National Parks including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite.

It is scheduled to take effect on January 1 and will also see foreign tourists’ annual park pass costs jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to pay $80. The money made off the new fees will help with things like upgrading facilities for visitors and maintenance.