SANParks conservation efforts push rates up
2012-12-13 11:52
Cape Town - The annual increase on conservation fees for South African National Parks will be higher than anticipated for 2013/14.
In a statement released by SANParks, Joep Stevens, SANParks General Manager: Strategic Tourism Services said the increase was brought about by the provision of additional conservation functions and security measures in some of the parks. These include the appointment of extra rangers for Table Mountain and the Kruger National Park.
He said these security measures were implemented because of increased criminal activities such as poaching of mainly rhino in Kruger and Marakele, as well as mugging incidents at Table Mountain National Park. Stevens added that a noticeable decrease in criminal activity has been recorded, particularly at Table Mountain/
He said this exercise is part of SANParks annual increase and will see conservation fees rise by 15 to 25%.
Overall accommodation rates will increase by an average of 10,1% and the rate structure is being adjusted to align with industry standards.
"As such the accommodation rates will be changing to a three tier system which will include a low season rate, shoulder season rate and a high season rate. This will be the first time that SANParks has introduced different tiers for the same accommodation products over different times of the year depending on demand," Stevens explained.
These new rate changes will come into effect on 1 November 2013 and bookings for November 2013 will open on Tuesday 18 December 2012 date.
