Summary
Allows the government to charge an extra fee to visitors from other countries at national parks to help pay for park upkeep and services.
What problem does this solve?
National parks need more money to pay for repairs, staff, and services for visitors. This bill creates an extra fee for tourists from other countries to raise money that will go directly to the parks.
Who does this affect?
- International tourists
- National Park Service
- U.S. tourism industry
What does this bill do?
Surcharge on park entrance fees for international visitors
Allows the superintendent of a national park to add an extra fee for international visitors on top of the standard entrance fee.
Surcharge on national park passes for international visitors
Adds a surcharge to the sale of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes sold to international visitors.
Surcharge money stays in the park where it was collected
All money collected from the entrance fee surcharge must be used for maintenance, visitor services, and staffing at the specific park where it was collected.
Park pass surcharge money goes to a national restoration fund
Money from the surcharge on recreation passes is deposited into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, not the individual park.
Surcharge amount set to maximize revenue
The park superintendent must set the surcharge amount at a level that brings in the most money possible without discouraging international visitors.
Defines who counts as an international visitor
An international visitor is defined as a nonimmigrant person admitted to the U.S. for business or pleasure, or under the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a two-tiered pricing system for park entry
Charges visitors from other countries more than U.S. citizens to enter national parks. This could make international tourists feel unwelcome or reduce the number of visitors from abroad.
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Provides a new source of funding for national parks
Aims to address funding shortfalls for park maintenance and services by collecting extra fees from international tourists. The money collected stays within the park system to be used for its needs.
When does this start?
This bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law.