Is little Slovenia, which has quite a few connections with Trump and his style of governance, ready to stand up for its own population and charge foreigners at the Gates?
Adapted from Owen Clark's article: President Trump Orders National Parks to Raise Fees on International Visitors in Outsideonline by Copilot
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that, in the name of “improving” national parks, requires higher entrance fees for foreign visitors. They want to get more from those without a domestic tax address and direct the collected funds toward infrastructure improvements, better access, and enjoying natural beauties.
In addition, the order states that US citizens will have priority in purchasing permits, strengthening a system that gives locals greater access to valuable recreational areas.
Although some may see such a decision as extreme, Americans are not the first:
In Ecuador, foreigners pay $100 to enter Galapagos park, locals only $6.
In South Africa, entry to Kruger National Park is $30 for tourists, $7 for locals.
In many countries, differentiated entrance fees for non-residents have been standard for decades.
According to data from the PERC research center, an additional $25 per foreign visitor in US parks would raise up to $330 million annually, a major boost for budget-strapped agencies.
Slovenian reflection: time for a discussion?
Slovenian natural parks (Triglav National Park, Kozjansko Regional Park, Škocjan Caves, etc.) are highly valued but often overcrowded, especially in summer. Higher visitation demands more funds for maintenance, visitor management, nature protection, and support for local communities.
Wouldn't it make sense to consider different entrance (parking) fees for domestic and foreign visitors?
The Slovenian visitor already contributes through taxes.
The foreign visitor gets an unforgettable experience – for a moderately higher price that the state returns to nature.
Funds could go toward: compensation for tourism-burdened residents, road and trail maintenance, education, environmental protection, local employment, digital solutions for directing visitors…
Of course, it's not about closing doors to the world. It's a smart approach, in the spirit of modern natural beauty management – without fear of driving anyone away. As Americans say: It’s a tiny fraction of the travel budget.
The world is changing. Borders are blurring, challenges are growing. Perhaps it's time for us too to look forward and consider models tested elsewhere – in a way that benefits both nature and people. So entrance fees and parking free for Slovenes, plus priority in restricted areas? Are you for it?
Source:
https://gore-ljudje.net/novosti/svet-se-spreminja-zakaj-se-ne-bi-tudi-mi/