The recently introduced Luangwa Conservation and Community Levy is now compulsory for 2010.
As a result of the recession, fewer tourists are travelling to the South Luangwa, and park fee income has dropped by about 30-35%.Simultaneously, grants from NORAD to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) have stopped.
There has been a reduction in park maintenance and anti-poaching patrols in South Luangwa, especially in the more outlying areas.
The South Luangwa Conservation Society, established to assist ZAWA, has always raised its funds through both a monthly fee from the lodges and donations. The pressure is now on for SLCS to expand its conservation activities and fill the gap, which requires more funds.
At the same time, the community is also feeling the recession. The donations to community projects have dropped, which means less community development. In the long term, local education is key to conserving this area.
The terms and conditions are as follows:
• New bookings for 2010, a levy of $10 per bednight ($5 for rates of $299 rack or less) will be added to the invoices, no commission applies
• Children under 12 will pay 50%. The full levy will apply to children 12 years and over at time of travel
• For any bookings already confirmed the levy will not be compulsory, but should still be discussed with the client.
Brochured itineraries:
• To conform with EU law – a priced itinerary already printed in a brochure, cannot be changed, and the last set of rates will apply, without change.
• If this is the case, a pdf file should be sent ‘for the record’ of the itineraries that have been brochured with prices. These will be kept on file.
• If an itinerary varies in any way from the one in the brochure, it will then be a tailor-made itinerary. The levy will be charged and the extra cost should be discussed with clients.
