According to SANParks, GM: media, events & stakeholder relations, Reynold Thakhuli, the filming and photography rates have not been reviewed in the last ten years. He says while recognising the filming and photographic industries role in the promotion of South Africa's natural resources and heritage, it is also important to maintain area integrity of the national parks and this can only be attained by good maintenance that requires financial input, as profit is not a primary motive. The increases are not close to what the international conservancies are charging now.
"It is also important to note that in initiating the revised rates, the organisation kept the filming and photographic industry in mind, so as not to put the industry under financial strain amid the global economic meltdown. Hence the 10% adopted."
There are several categories that will be affected differently in terms of small and large groupings, their needs and period spent in a particular national park. "It is for this reason that we invite the industry to familiarise itself with the new tariffs, which are posted on our website," concludes Thakhuli.
For more, go to www.sanparks.org.
