What are concessions in national parks?

Concessioners fill a vital role with helping the National Park Service (NPS) carry out its mission. Private companies work with the NPS to offer services to park visitors that parks do not provide directly.

Who runs Grand Canyon concessions?

The concession, currently held by a subsidiary of Forever Resorts, is separate from South Rim concessions now being operated by Xanterra and Delaware North. The contract includes operation of North Rim lodging, food service, retail, a service station, and more.

Can you run a business in national parks?

A Commercial Use Authorization allows an individual, group, company or other for-profit entity to commercially operate within a National Park Service area. CUAs are managed at the park level so application processes and fees may vary.

Who runs hotels in national parks?

While national park officials have ultimate oversight on things such as pricing, these facilities are operated by private companies that bid for the right to rent rooms, operate dining facilities, sell T-shirts, and offer specified activities such as trail rides and guided tours.

Who runs the concessions in Yosemite?

Aramark
Yosemite Hospitality, LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark and is the concessionaire for Yosemite National Park.

What is an authorized concessioner?

Every National Park in the United States has a limited set of Authorized Concessioners. These contracts are used to limit the necessary services within National Parks to make sure that the parks continue to be preserved and conserved– a main value of the National Park Service.

Can you sell food in national parks?

Yes. Any person (or organization) intending to sell, give away, or sample food to the public from a fixed or temporary location for a period of less than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a community event on GGNRA property requires a TFE permit.

What is the National Park Service hosting?

Hosts are often thought of as the “eyes and ears” of the park and are crucial in assisting the park service staff. They provide rangers with information regarding facilities, visitor use, wildlife sightings, and safety concerns, but do not take direct action involving law enforcement situations.

Is Kings Canyon National Park worth visiting?

It is a long drive but you will definitely understands what makes it so special. Towering canyon walls, high peaks, waterfalls, etc… lots of great places to enjoy the river as well!

How much does it cost to stay at national parks?

Today it’s not unusual to pay from $200 to $300 per night for a guest room or cabin in a national park. Two decades of touring the parks while gathering information for revisions of our book on the national park lodges included compiling years of lodge room pricing.

When did Aramark take over Yosemite?

2016
It seemed like this summer could be a repeat of 2018, which park officials described as “the worst year of operation” for the shuttle buses since Aramark, the park’s Philadelphia-based concession contractor, took over commercial operations inside Yosemite in 2016.

Are concessions Open in Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park offers a wide variety of restaurants to satisfy every palate. Most of our restaurants are open all year, and many offer outdoor seating during the warmer months.

How many concession contracts does the National Park Service have?

The Commercial Services Program of the National Park Service (NPS) administers more than 500 concession contracts with gross receipts totaling about $1 billion annually. (PDF 290 KB)

How many people work in the concession industry?

Our concessioners employ over 25,000 hospitality industry people during peak season providing services ranging from food and lodging, to white water rafting adventures. The Commercial Services Program administers these contracts, including monitoring the performance of concessioner operations.

How many people work for the National Park Service?

NPS concessioners employ more than 25,000 people in a variety of jobs during peak seasons, providing services ranging from food and lodging, to whitewater rafting adventures and motor coach tours. Visit the Commercial Services Program’s news feed to get the latest news.