The Tanzanian government will freeze park entry fees for 12 months for stability in tourism. Discussions for potential fee adjustments are ongoing, but the current rates will remain unchanged until March 2026. Stakeholders have welcomed this decision, urging the establishment of legal requirements for advance notice on any future fee changes.
The Tanzanian government has announced that park entry fees will not increase for the next 12 months, providing much-needed stability for the tourism sector. Ms. Jully Lyimo, the Assistant Conservation Commissioner at Tanzania National Parks, stated that the current rates will remain unchanged at least until March 2026. This decision comes as discussions regarding potential fee adjustments for 2026 continue, ensuring that both tourists and investors are prepared for any future changes.
During a recent meeting with UK tourism stakeholders, Ms. Lyimo emphasized that the freeze aims to stabilize the tourism sector, affording adequate preparation time for stakeholders. Additionally, Yussuf Kabange, Acting Conservation Commissioner for the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, confirmed in an official letter that no new charges would be imposed until March 2026. This initiative ensures that changes to tourism fees will be implemented transparently and in consultation with stakeholders.
Earlier this year, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) raised alarms over unexpected fee hikes that resulted from regulatory amendments concerning non-consumptive wildlife utilization. These abrupt changes, which raised fees by up to 100 percent, sparked significant concern within the industry. Tato’s executive director, Elirehema Maturo, expressed these concerns in a January 20, 2025 letter, highlighting the detrimental impact of sudden fee increases on Tanzania’s critical tourism industry.
Following these issues, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Pindi Chana met with Tato officials in Dar es Salaam on January 29, 2025. This meeting acknowledged the need for advance notice before imposing significant fee changes, leading to an agreement to suspend new fees for ten months, maintaining the fees stated in the Wildlife Conservation Regulations of 2016 during this period.
Mr. Yussuf Kabange, in his address, indicated that the decision to halt fee increases was in response to the concerns voiced by tourism stakeholders. The government reaffirms its commitment to implementing future policy changes in support of the long-term growth of the tourism sector. Despite this favorable decision, tour operators are advocating for legal provisions requiring advance notification of fee adjustments to improve industry stability.
Tato chairperson Wilbard Chambulo contended that advanced notice of fee changes should be mandated by law, enhancing investor confidence and providing clarity. He stressed the importance of regular consultations between the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure smooth advancements in regulation that promote sustainable growth for the tourism industry. Arusha-based tour operator Athumani Njiku also emphasized the need for improved government-private sector collaboration, underscoring the potential for better transparency aligned with market demands.
The Tanzanian government’s decision to freeze park entry fee increases for the next 12 months aims to stabilize the tourism industry amid ongoing discussions on future fee adjustments. While this temporary measure has been welcomed by tour operators, there is a strong call for formalizing advance notification of fee changes to mitigate sudden adjustments in the future. The government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement indicates a proactive approach to maintaining the integrity of Tanzania’s vital tourism sector.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
