The Rwanda Development Board confirmed plans to implement
changes to current gorilla permit pricing FROM US$ 500 to US$ 750. The prices
have been increased by 50% and this will take effect from June 1st, 2012 save
for prior bookings made before this date. 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.”
Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts have shown significant success.
Today,
there are ten gorilla families which accommodate a maximum of eight tourists
per day each, a number that has almost doubled over the last five years. The
head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB Rica Rwigamba explained; “We have seen
a sustained increase in interest for gorilla trek as well as recognition that
good conservation can truly contribute to growth of these species.
Mountain
Gorillas are the only increasing gorilla species population, which is evidence
that responsible tourism and conservation go hand in hand.” A contribution of
5% towards the communities surrounding the national parks under the revenue
sharing programme is an activity that RDB is also committed to and this
increase will also proportionally impact on this initiave.
Compiled by Brenda
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