American Bus Association Urges Delay of Proposed National Park International Visitor Fee
The association joins a coalition of travel organizations in raising concerns about proposed surcharges
The American Bus Association (ABA) and a coalition of national travel organizations have sent a letter to the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service (NPS) expressing support for efforts to modernize national park operations and identify sustainable revenue sources to ensure public lands are maintained and protected for generations to come, while raising concerns about a proposed per-person surcharge on non-U.S. citizens traveling on group tours.
In the letter, ABA and its partners commended NPS leadership for improving access, enhancing the visitor experience, and strengthening long-term stewardship of the national park system. However, the organizations warned that the proposed per-passenger international fee under the Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program would introduce a complex and unpredictable cost structure for group travel, particularly for motorcoach operators that routinely serve mixed groups of domestic and international passengers.
The organizations noted that group tours are typically priced and contracted 12 to 18 months in advance, with passenger manifests often finalized close to departure. As a result, a variable, per-person surcharge would be difficult to administer and could disrupt established pricing models, creating uncertainty for businesses and travelers while increasing administrative burdens for both operators and park staff.
The coalition also emphasized the potential economic impact on gateway communities and the broader tourism economy. Bus and group travel generate an estimated $69.8 billion in direct traveler spending across transportation, lodging, and food services, activity that depends on predictable travel patterns and stable operating costs.
Along with the letter, ABA submitted a white paper providing additional background, data, and analysis on the operational and economic challenges posed by the proposed fee. The organizations encouraged NPS to consider an alternative approach, including predictable annual adjustments to commercial vehicle entrance fees and clear confirmation that per-passenger entrance fees do not apply to commercial tour passengers.
ABA will continue working with its partners across the travel and tour industry to collaborate with federal officials on developing a fee structure that supports park maintenance and conservation goals without undermining group travel, gateway communities, or visitor access to national parks.
