Yankari Game Reserve reduces gate fee by 50% to boost patronage

The management of the Yankari Game Reserve, an international tourist centre in Bauchi State, has reduced its gate fee by 50 per cent to boost patronage.

The General Manager, Bauchi State Tourism Board, Yohanna Ayuba, said in Bauchi, on Thursday, that the gate fee, which was formerly fixed at N5, 000 per adult, had now been reduced to N2, 500.

He added that the gate fee was also reduced from N2, 500 to 1,000 per child or student.

Ayuba said that the fee was initially increased from N500 per adult and N200 per child and student, to N5, 000 and N2, 500 respectively, after the reserve was renovated and upgraded in 2013.

He said since the increment, the reserve had recorded a decline in patronage, especially from students and other fun seekers, who usually thronged the reserves for excursion and other services.

According to him, this development is responsible for the cut in the gate fee, with a view to keeping the tourist site economically viable.

“Our customers, who visit the reserve, have been complaining about the hike in the gate fee, not only that, it has also discouraged first timers from patronising the tourist centre.

“I assure you, with this reduction, the international tourist centre will now witness increased patronage from within and outside the state.

“I am also confident that the reserve, which has standard facilities for national and international conferences, will start to generate more revenues,” he said.

NAN