"The National Travel and Tourism Office released a study in 2024 citing that, among international travelers, visiting US parks and monuments was a key leisure activity, with 36% of air travelers enjoying these spaces. "At a time when many visitors already wonder if they are welcome in the US, increasing national park entrance fees sends another message that they should stay home, further damaging nearby economies," said Ostfeld."
"According to Canada's statistics office, air travel to the US from the country has declined for 10 straight months, amid tensions over President Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods. In June, the country encouraged its citizens to travel domestically, rather than crossing over into the US, announcing a Canada Strong Pass which offers free entrance to its national parks and reduced rail and camping fees."
New policies impose an international visitor fee and will make America the Beautiful passes fully digital via Recreation.gov by 2026. The department frames fee revenue as funding a substantial maintenance backlog across public lands while preserving affordable access for US taxpayers. Parks-focused nonprofits warn that higher entrance fees could further depress international tourism and hurt small businesses in gateway communities. National parks generated an estimated $29 billion in visitor spending in 2024, and 36% of international air travelers visited parks or monuments. Canada has reduced air travel to the US for ten consecutive months and introduced a Canada Strong Pass to retain visitors domestically; advocates also raise concerns about insufficient infrastructure to verify digital passes.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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