Rwanda’s private sector and those involved in tourism industry have raised concerns over the hike in gorilla permits pricing likely to affect their business.
Rwanda Development Board recently confirmed plans to implement changes to current gorilla permit pricing.
The prices have been increased by 50% and this will take effect from June 1st, 2012 save for prior bookings made before this date.
The increase will see foreign non-residents pay $750 as opposed to the current $500 to visit the gorillas; foreigners residing in Rwanda will pay$375 instead of $250, Rwanda nationals $50 up from $33 respectively.
Reports put across by the private sectors say changes will have lasting repercussions on their industry and the image of the country.
The mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s top tourism revenue earners, accounting for 90 per cent of park revenue generated in the country.
“The implementation of this increase was done without due consultation and we regret the manner in which this was done despite our attempts to consult on this process,” a statement signed by the chairman of tourism chamber in Private Sector Federation (PSF) reads in parts.
“We have already seen strong reactions from our partners, and we are very sure that this is going to have a negative impact on our businesses and the industry at large,”
Rwanda’s tourism receipts leaped to $200 million in 2010, up 14 per cent from 2009. In 2011, the sector generated $251million.
In a press statement released after the increase of permit pricing in gorilla, RDB CEO John Gara said; “This increase comes at a time when there is significant growth of the gorilla population as well as an increasing demand for gorilla tourism.”
“We are very committed to sustain our efforts in conservation in order to protect their environment as well as the rich biodiversity that exist in our national parks.” Gara added.
The population of mountain gorillas has increased by 26.3 per cent over the last seven years with a 3.7 percent annual growth, according to Gorilla Census conducted in April 2010.
ENDS
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