ABA Leads Industry Effort Urging Interior Department to Reconsider National Park Fee Changes
More than 200 commercial tour and motorcoach operators voice concerns over proposed NPS fee policies
The American Bus Association (ABA) has spearheaded a major industry sign-on letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, bringing together more than 200 commercial tour and motorcoach operators from across the country to voice concerns over proposed changes to National Park Service (NPS) fee policies.
The letter, sent April 3, highlights the essential role that the commercial tour industry plays in connecting millions of visitors to America’s national parks while supporting local economies in gateway communities.
From iconic destinations like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to smaller, rural park sites, organized group travel enables access for seniors, students, and international visitors who might not otherwise be able to experience these public lands. The industry also drives consistent economic activity—supporting hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and jobs in communities that depend heavily on tourism.
In the letter, ABA and its industry partners raised significant concerns about new NPS international visitor fee changes scheduled for 2026, including a $100 per-person surcharge and increased pass costs for international travelers. Operators emphasized that these changes create real operational challenges, particularly because group travel is typically priced 12 to 18 months in advance—meaning companies, not customers, will absorb unexpected cost increases for already-booked trips.
The coalition warned that higher and unpredictable fees could reduce international visitation, shorten stays, and ultimately decrease visitor spending in park gateway regions—putting additional strain on rural economies.
ABA and the undersigned organizations urge the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to adopt a more predictable, transparent, and equitable fee structure—one that avoids per-passenger surcharges and better aligns with how commercial tour operations operate.
The letter also underscores the broader benefits of motorcoach travel within national parks, including reduced congestion, lower per-passenger emissions, and more efficient visitor flow.
ABA reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with federal partners to develop policies that both sustain America’s national parks and ensure continued access for the traveling public. As Congress begins work on reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), ABA is also engaging with congressional staff to address these concerns and advance solutions that support both park funding and the operational realities of the commercial tour industry.
