The Rwanda Development Board has confirmed plans to implement changes to current gorilla permit pricing. The prices have been increased by 50% and this will take effect from June 1st, 2012 save for prior bookings made before this date.
In a press statement, 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.”
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