I am writing to keep you abreast of developments with the concession fee issue in Tanzania and what exactly
Elewana will be doing to ease concerns over how any fee structure changes could otherwise affect both confirmed, provisional and new bookings at Serengeti Migration Camp, which is the
Elewana property affected by the proposed changes.
Firstly, I confirm that the industry remains in high level government discussions, over this issue, and as soon as a conclusive position is established I will let you know, with haste.
At present, there is no clear indication from the Government on a final implementation date for the proposed changes. However, in the interests of prudence, we have (a) assumed that the changes, in question, will, indeed, take effect and (b) that they will be implemented on the earliest possible date, being 1st July 2017, such that if this proves correct our clients and guests are clear about how this might financially impact their planned travels, or not as the case may be.
As pointed out, the proposed increase only affects nights spent at our
Serengeti Migration Camp where the additional cost, averaged by season, is US$34 per person per night, inclusive of VAT (at the current rate of 18%). Accordingly, should implementation of the revised fee occur on or after 1st July 2017 we are able to confirm the following:
- For all currently confirmed and fully paid bookings between now and the 31st of March 2018, we will absorb the cost of the full concession fee.
- Should you make payment in full before the 30th of June 2017, for any provisional bookings between now and the 31st of March 2018, we will absorb the cost of the full concession fee.
- For any new bookings for stays between the 1st of July 2017 and 1st of March 2018, should the booking be paid for in full at the time we confirm it , we will absorb the cost of the full concession fee.
Thereafter all bookings will require compliance with the TANAPA payment conditions and the additional cost passed to the client.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our partners and their clients, via any short notice concession fee changes, but rest assured, we continue to endeavour to minimise the impact however and wherever possible.
To confirm, this only relates to our Serengeti Migration Camp: none of our other Tanzanian camps or lodges are affected.
