EasyJet Holidays has announced a comprehensive policy against promoting attractions that exploit animals. This forward-thinking initiative includes a detailed ban on captivity attractions such as zoos and marine parks.
- The initiative, rooted in Abta’s guidelines, encompasses a ban on animal performances and rides, aiming to align holiday packages with responsible tourism ideals.
- This policy was crafted with input from diverse animal rights organisations, including World Animal Protection, signalling a significant shift towards ethical travel.
- Key voices in wildlife advocacy, like Kathryn Wise, have praised this move, highlighting EasyJet’s commitment to ethical tourism.
- This policy also involves collaboration with hotelier partners to foster a broader understanding and compliance with animal welfare principles.
In a bold move, EasyJet Holidays has unveiled a stringent new policy that eliminates all promotion and offering of attractions specifically exploiting animals. With an emphasis on truly ethical travel, the policy excludes activities involving captive animals, including well-known attractions such as zoos and marine parks. Sporting events involving animals, along with animal performances and rides, are also categorically excluded from their packages. By aligning with Abta’s animal welfare guidelines, EasyJet Holidays is taking a firm stance against traditional tourism offerings that compromise animal welfare.
This policy did not emerge in isolation. Its development involved extensive consultation with prestigious animal rights organisations, notably including World Animal Protection. Such collaboration underscores EasyJet Holidays’ commitment to pioneering responsible travel by engaging experts in wildlife protection. The effort is part of a broader strategy to align tourism practices with ethical standards, a reflection of increasing consumer sensitivity towards animal welfare.
The significance of this move is not lost on animal welfare advocates. Kathryn Wise of World Animal Protection UK commended EasyJet Holidays for their proactive stance, describing the policy as ambitious and transformative. Wise acknowledged the company’s strategic decision to offer wildlife-friendly travel options, thereby respecting the desires of a growing demographic of ethically-minded travellers.
Additionally, EasyJet Holidays has begun working with hotelier partners to extend awareness and action surrounding animal welfare. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the promotion of responsible travel practices beyond the confines of packaged tours, fostering a culture of respect and protection for nature across various hospitality domains.
Matt Callaghan, EasyJet Holidays’ chief operating officer, stated: ‘We’re committed to being an industry leader in responsible travel.’ Echoing the sentiments of many travellers, the company acknowledges the importance of sustainable travel experiences, striving to provide holidays that are mindful of nature and its inhabitants.
EasyJet Holidays’ initiative represents an industry-leading step towards ethical tourism, prioritising animal welfare in travel.
