Tanzania freezes park entry fee rises for the next 12 months

Arusha. The Tanzanian government has assured both tourists and investors in the tourism sector that there will be no increase in park entry fees for the next 12 months, in a move aimed at stabilising the sector and providing ample time for preparation for any future adjustments.

Speaking during a meeting with key tourism stakeholders in the United Kingdom (UK) recently the Assistant Conservation Commissioner at Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), Ms Jully Lyimo, said the decision aims to provide stability to the tourism sector and ensure that investors and visitors have sufficient time to prepare for any future adjustments.

While discussions surrounding potential park fee adjustments for 2026 are ongoing, Lyimo confirmed that the current rates will remain unchanged at least until March 2026.

Furthermore, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa), through an official letter from Acting Conservation Commissioner Yussuf Kabange, has also frozen any new charges until March 2026.

"This measure ensures that any changes to tourism fees are implemented transparently and with stakeholder involvement," the letter stated.

Earlier this year, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) raised concerns regarding significant fee hikes due to amendments in regulations concerning non-consumptive wildlife utilisation and antiquities.

The changes, introduced without prior notice, resulted in fee increases of up to 100 percent, a move that caused alarm within the tourism industry.

In a letter dated January 20, 2025, Tato executive director, Elirehema Maturo, criticised the abrupt changes, highlighting the detrimental impact on the tourism sector.

He said that such unplanned hikes, introduced without consultation, could disrupt the market and negatively affect Tanzania’s tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.

In response, the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Pindi Chana, convened a meeting with Tato officials in Dar es Salaam on January 29, 2025.

Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Hassan Abbas, the meeting addressed the concerns of tour operators and acknowledged the need for advance notice before implementing significant fee adjustments.

As a result, the government agreed to suspend the implementation of the new fees and granted a ten-month grace period, effective from February 15, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

During this period, the fees outlined in the Wildlife Conservation Regulations of 2016 will remain in effect.

In his address, Acting Conservation Commissioner, Yussuf Kabange, explained that the decision to suspend the fee hikes was made to align with the concerns raised by tourism stakeholders during the consultative meeting.

He assured that the government was committed to ensuring that any future policy changes would be implemented in a way that supports the long-term growth of the tourism sector.

While the decision has been welcomed by tour operators, there are calls for the government to formalise such practices into law to protect the sector from sudden regulatory changes.

Tato chairperson, Wilbard Chambulo, argued that advance notification of fee adjustments should be a legal requirement, providing stability and boosting investor confidence.

“For years, tourism industry stakeholders have expressed frustration over sudden changes in fees and regulations without adequate notice or preparation time. That is why we suggest that the government should establish regular consultations with the private sector to ensure that any future adjustments are implemented smoothly and in a manner that promotes the industry’s long-term sustainability,” Mr Chambulo said.

A tour operator from Arusha, Athumani Njiku, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for better collaboration between the government and the private sector.

"The government's decision to halt park fee increases and provide a transition period has been well received by tourism stakeholders. However, we believe there needs to be enhanced transparency and alignment with market demands to ensure the sustainable growth of Tanzania’s tourism industry," Njiku said.