Tanzania has frozen park entry fees for the next 12 months to stabilize its tourism sector. The current fee structure will remain unchanged until at least March 2026. This decision follows concerns over sudden fee hikes that previously alarmed the tourism industry. In response to stakeholder feedback, the government emphasizes transparency and collaboration in managing tourism-related fee adjustments.
The Tanzanian government has announced a freeze on park entry fee increases for the coming 12 months. This initiative aims to stabilize the tourism sector, allowing adequate time for stakeholders to prepare for potential adjustments to fees in 2026. Ms. Jully Lyimo, the Assistant Conservation Commissioner at Tanzania National Parks, confirmed that current rates will stay unchanged until at least March 2026.
In addition, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa), through Acting Conservation Commissioner Yussuf Kabange, solidified this decision by issuing a letter that ensures no new charges will be implemented until March 2026. This approach emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement in any changes to tourism fees.
Earlier concerns raised by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) highlighted abrupt fee hikes stemming from new regulations, causing alarm within the tourism industry. These hikes, unnoticed by stakeholders, saw increases of up to 100%, prompting criticism from Tato’s executive director, Elirehema Maturo, regarding their potential detrimental impact on the sector.
Following these concerns, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Pindi Chana, organized a meeting with Tato officials to address the issue. The discussions led to an agreement to pause the new fee implementation and establish a ten-month grace period, allowing existing fees per the Wildlife Conservation Regulations of 2016 to remain effective until the end of 2025.
Yussuf Kabange outlined that the decision to suspend fee hikes stemmed from tourism stakeholders’ feedback at the consultative meeting, indicating the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism growth. While the decision has been positively received, industry leaders are advocating for legal formalization of such practices to prevent unforeseen regulatory changes.
Tato chairperson, Wilbard Chambulo, emphasized that notification of fee adjustments should be required by law to ensure sector stability and enhance investor confidence. Stakeholders have consistently called for better collaboration between the government and private sector to align with market requirements for sustainable tourism growth, as echoed by tour operator Athumani Njiku.
In conclusion, Tanzania’s freeze on park entry fee increases for the next 12 months seeks to provide stability in the tourism sector and foster preparation for future adjustments. The government is addressing prior concerns of abrupt fee hikes, emphasizing transparency and stakeholder involvement. All parties continue to advocate for improved communication and regulatory practices to ensure sustainable growth in Tanzania’s vital tourism industry.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
