Entrance and Activity Fees (Tourism)

2.   Methodology

2.4          Implementation

Key steps to implementation are as follows, depending on the design of the fee mechanism:

  1. Raise funding for the business plan

  2. Assure legal framework for collecting and retaining protected area fees

  3. Build capacity (for managers/local communities/partnerships)

  4. Build infrastructure – e.g. construct or install any new facilities required, such as turnstiles and ticket sales booths

  5. Establish management systems, including:

    • Fee collection system – redistribute existing or hire new personnel and purchase any necessary equipment and supplies. There is an online tool for user fee collection that can provide valuable insights. 

    • Establish an accounting system to track and analyse revenues

    • Hire an independent firm to audit the site’s accounts periodically

    • Begin or expand marketing campaign

  6. Conduct a three- to six-month pilot to test the market:

    • This could involve collection at just one or two sites, and simple fee scales (e.g., only two rates). For entrance fees, begin controlling access points to site and collecting fees and data on visitation. For activity fees, begin collecting fees for and data on participation in the activity or use of the facility.

  7. Evaluate reactions to the fee mechanisms (e.g. WTP study or other visitor survey).

  8. Evaluate effectiveness and performance of fee collection mechanism.

  9. Implement a full-scale fee system (assuming success of the pilot).

  10. Establish an adaptive management system (section 2.5).

  11. Begin allocation of revenues to conservation activities.