Kenya tourism players complain about increase in park entrance fees

Kenya’s tourism industry players have complained of lost business due to recently introduced policies, including high park entrance fees that discourage visitors.

Hoteliers, tour operators and hostel owners accused the government of doing too little to regain pre-Covid-19 figures, particularly by supporting the recovery of those operating in hostels.

They argue that although lodge business has fallen since the introduction of higher entry fees to Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS)-run parks this year, the saving grace is now the upcoming festive season, which could provide good news for beach packages.

But Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano defended the charges, saying they were being reviewed upwards due to the high cost of living and administration costs and could be revised when things improve.

“There was an issue with parking fees in our parks and we are consulting further with industry players to ensure that we all (park managers, travel agents, tour operators) benefit and also not to disappoint tourists in these difficult times,” he said. Miss Miano.

“We are in the Coast (area) to help recover the tourism business that has been lost over the years. “We will meet with different tourism investors to find solutions to the different challenges they face.”

TPS Eastern Africa (Serena) Ltd Regional Marketing Director, Maureen Okore, said unlike hostels, which she said was due to increased entry fees, beach packages recorded good numbers in November-December and early January.

“Serena beach hotels have received good bookings so far and we hope the number will increase by early January. This is contrary to hostels across the country as Kenyans have limited expenses,” Ms Okore said. “Thanks to the package offered in Tanzania, which has the same ecosystem, many Kenyans prefer to visit the country instead of paying the high tariffs offered by KWS.”

In January this year, Kenya increased entrance fees to Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli parks from $80 to $100. While Tsavo National Park is expected to increase from $52 to $100, this figure for Masai Mara increased from $200 to $400.

Sam Ikwaye, chief executive of the Kenya Hoteliers and Caterers Association, said Kenya had gotten ahead of itself and customers’ protests against the charges had forced them to move to cheaper locations in neighboring countries.