Expedia takes action over animal cruelty
Expedia has announced changes to the marketing of wildlife activities on its websites, and will remove those deemed to be harmful to animal welfare.
The travel giant is conducting a full review lasting several months in cooperation with wildlife and animal protection groups, including the Born Free Foundation and the Humane Society of the United States.
As part of this initiative, Expedia is launching a new Wildlife Tourism Education Portal to improve awareness and educate travellers about animal welfare.
"As travellers, it is important that we know more about the places we go, the activities we engage in, and the ways in which we leave lasting impacts on our destinations. As we help people go places, we want to help them do it thoughtfully, and responsibly," said Jen O’Twomney, vice president of Expedia Local Expert.
The new portal, which will roll out later this year, will present clear information if an activity includes animal interactions and to what degree.
It will also list more general educational information around animal welfare and resources for travellers to get involved in conservation efforts.
"With its significant global reach and influence, the travel and tourism industry can make an enormous impact in helping to end the scourge of wildlife trafficking. We applaud Expedia for joining a global collaboration to educate travellers through its new educational portal," said Sara Walker, executive director, US Wildlife Trafficking Alliance.
PETA has responded, welcoming Expedia’s initiative but urging more of the travel industry to stop promoting ‘cruel’ elephant rides.
It called out companies including ATJ, Classic Journeys, Grand Circle Travel, SITA World Tours, and Travel Holdings which still offer rides as part of tours, encouraging people to exert some pressure by signing its online petition.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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