TCVB Questions Proposed Yosemite Gate Increase

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau has written a letter of concern to Yosemite National Park about a proposal to raise entrance fees at the gate.

The park is planning to raise the cost of single vehicle from $20 to $25 beginning next year. The cost of a yearly pass would also increase from $40 to $50.

TCVB Director Nancy Sikes says the organization´s Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the increase at its last meeting. As for the reasoning, Sikes says,Visitation is down in Yosemite National Park, the car counts are down, and this just does not seem like an appropriate time to raise fees.”

Sikes adds that Yosemite National Park is the anchor for marketing tourism in this area, especially in the national and international markets. Yosemite officials have stated that the rate increase will put it in line with other similar parks such as Yellowstone. The public has until April 16 to comment on the proposal.

Written by BJ Hansen