Southwest, SeaWorld end marketing ties
Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld will end their long term marketing partnership later this year, after the airline was embroiled in the controversy surrounding the ‘Blackfish’ documentary last year for its association with SeaWorld.
Both companies said the mutual decision was made based on "shifting priorities" and will end when the current agreement expires at the end of the year.
Three aircraft currently in SeaWorld livery will be repainted in traditional Southwest colors, the airline said.
Since the documentary aired, Southwest has come under pressure from activists to distance itself from SeaWorld with petitions and demonstrations targeting the Dallas-based carrier.
Shifting priorities to new international markets was the reason given by the airline for ending the collaboration, which has lasted over 25 years.
SeaWorld will in turn target new markets in Latin America and Asia.
Neither party mentioned the public backlash resulting from the film which SeaWorld has called "inaccurate and misleading."
However although Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis said it was a business decision, she said the airline had been in "listening and education mode."
"Southwest has engaged and heard from conservationists, SeaWorld supporters and others on all sides of this issue," McInnis said.
The carrier will continue working with SeaWorld offering packages through Southwest Vacations.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026