This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has taken a significant step to boost tourism in the country by reducing entry fees to all its game parks and reserves by 47% effective July 1, 2020.
The reduction in fees is aimed at making Kenya's wildlife parks more accessible to both local and international tourists, and to help the tourism industry recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Najib Balala, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, the reduction in fees will apply to all categories of tourists, including local, residents, and international visitors, for a period of one year.
Domestic tourists visiting premium parks such as Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo East and West will now pay less, with the fees pegged to the gazetted conservation fees in 2019.
Additionally, KWS has given a one-year moratorium to lodge owners in its parks and reserves, exempting them from rent payment from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.
Balala called on lodge owners to use the savings from the moratorium to improve the visitor experience and grow their businesses, while also promoting KWS parks as preferred destinations for safari tourism.
He also urged Kenyans to take advantage of the affordable park entry fees to sample the beauty of Kenya's flora and fauna.
Furthermore, Balala announced a 50% discount on filming fees for both local and international producers filming in parks and reserves, and encouraged them to utilize this opportunity to grow their businesses and market Kenya.
Residents and citizens will now enjoy the same rates as international visitors, and investors in KWS parks and reserves have been urged to adhere to the 'Magical Kenya Tourism Health and Safety Protocols' to qualify for the moratorium.
