The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has updated its guidelines for travel agencies after consulting experts to “ensure animal welfare.” From now on, contact or feeding certain animals during the holidays is unacceptable.
A separate line spells out such popular adventures as selfies with sloths, feeding orangutans and giraffes, as well as walking with lions in southern Africa. Other forbidden practices are feeding monkeys, bears, crocodiles and alligators, as well as direct communication with killer whales.
The new rules of one of the largest tourism industry associations in Europe (7,400 members, $ 42 billion in annual sales) also state that tourists should not participate in elephant rides and should not have contact with animals “without a barrier” between them. Therefore, joint swimming with dolphins is now under a complete and unconditional ban.
According to ABTA, it is outrageous and unacceptable to organize entertainment for travelers through the exploitation of animals.
Particular attention is paid to protecting the interests of marine mammals. World Animal Protection, World Cetacean Alliance, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Humane Society International and Born Free Foundation in response to these initiatives, have pledged to continue to work with ABTA to ensure that their guidelines for whale and dolphin captivity are updated to reflect the latest scientific, ethical and social views.
'Thanks to the valued input from many expert stakeholders, the revised guidelines will mean that travel companies can implement animal welfare approaches that reflect the latest evidence, working in partnership with suppliers to raise standards,’ said Clare Jenkinson, Abta's senior destinations and sustainability manager.
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