TripAdvisor , the world’s largest travel platform trusted by millions of consumers worldwide is making a big change to its animal welfare policy.The company will no longer sell tickets to, or generate revenue from any attractions that continues to the captivity of future generations of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), it announced.
Accordingly, any commercial facility that either breeds or imports cetaceans for public display will be banned from sale on TripAdvisor and Viator platform. Products at present on sale and found to breach the new rules will be removed over the next few months, with the policy in full force by the end of 2019.Though the updated policy will not apply to seaside sanctuaries that provide care to cetaceans already in captivity.
TripAdvisor is committed to improve the welfare of animals worldwide, particularly animals in tourism. The decision follows after wide consultation with a range of experts, including marine biologists, zoologists and conservationists.
Conservation groups and animal welfare experts welcomed the move as an important step forward.
“This sends a clear message to other travel companies that we must end this cruel industry once and for all,” said Nick Stewart, Global Head of Wildlife, Dolphins, World Animal Protection. “Together we can ensure this is the last generation of dolphins held captive for entertainment.“
“Our aim is not only to prevent future generations of whales and dolphins from being raised in captivity, but also to encourage the industry to move towards alternative models, like seaside sanctuaries, that will better provide for the needs of the current captive population,” Dermot Halpin, President, TripAdvisor Experiences and Rentals said in a statement.
TripAdvisor and its subsidiary brand Viator will also no longer sell tickets to experiences where travellers come into physical contact with captive wild animals, such as elephant ride and tiger petting experiences.
