Companies and tour operators near the most famous national parks in the United States, such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park, have expressed their displeasure following the latest announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The announcement states that starting January 1, 2026, foreign visitors to these national parks will have to pay an extra $100 per person on top of the existing fees. According to the administration, this is part of the ‘America First Prices’ initiative, aimed at raising funds for the maintenance, repairs, and improvements of trails and visitor infrastructure.
Companies and tour operators have opposed this measure, claiming it will discourage foreign tourists. According to Gerry Seavo James, deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, it is not just about economic discrimination, but it goes against the inclusive spirit of the United States national parks. Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect the U.S. National Parks, stated that this year has not been good for the parks, and that this initiative could be a burden for the employees of these establishments.
Price increase for entry to national parks for foreign visitors
According to the announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, starting January 1, 2026, what officials are calling ‘America First pricing’ will take effect. This new measure means that foreign visitors who want to visit U.S. national parks such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park will have to pay an extra fee upon entry.
Non-residents will have to pay an additional $100 per person on top of the existing entrance fees, raising the annual pass price from $80 for citizens to $250. According to the administration, the revenue generated from this increase will be reinvested in the parks, specifically for maintenance, repairs, and improvements to trails and structures. Officials say that the new pricing ensures that U.S. taxpayers, who already contribute to park funding through their taxes, are not subsidized.
Effects of this announcement
Many companies and tour operators around the parks have expressed opposition to this new measure. According to information published by Euronews, a motel owner near Glacier National Park stated, “It’s a sure way to discourage people from visiting Glacier.” “It will harm local businesses that cater to foreign travelers, like mine,” he added. “You are discouraging people from seeing something in the country by imposing a fee on that experience”.
For his part, the deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, Gerry Thompson, referred to the concern this measure raises about economic consequences and the inclusive spirit of the United States’ national parks. He stated, “Without that support, we risk our true common grounds becoming nothing more than playgrounds for the super-rich”.
Meanwhile, the executive director of the Coalition to Protect the National Parks of the United States, Emily Thompson, stated, “In a year when national park staff has already been cut by nearly 25 percent, we are concerned that this will be yet another burden for the already overworked employees. National parks must be available and accessible to everyone, or America’s greatest idea will become the country’s biggest scam”.
What do you think? Do you agree with this price increase, or do you believe that everyone should pay the same to access these kinds of very special and unique places?