In light of discussions about the potential under-representation of township tourism in international itineraries to South Africa, Tourism Update sought to gauge the views of our industry readership.
The results of our latest poll seem to indicate stronger representation with more than three quarters of readers (78%) saying they do incorporate township tourism into itineraries and just 22% saying they don’t.
Is Kenya outpricing itself with park fee increases?
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has proposed another 50-60% increase in park entry fees for non-residents, arguing that the adjustment offers the most “direct, implementable and impactful solution for KWS’s financial sustainability and conservation mandate”. The organisation claims it currently faces a fiscal gap of an estimated KSh10 billion (€66.2 million) annually.
The proposed increase, outlined in the organisation’s Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025, will add to the significant hike in 2024 when some park fees were more than doubled for non-residents.
KWS points out in the regulations that “75% of surveyed stakeholders” (including visitors, tour operators and local communities) have expressed willingness to pay higher fees “if accompanied by visible conservation outcomes and improved park services”.
With high park fees already recognised as a potential constraint to tourism, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the proposed increase.
Our poll question this week is:
