EasyJet holidays has become the latest operator to commit to only offering experiences that don’t threaten the welfare or conservation of animals.
The operator has incorporated ABTA’s animal welfare guidelines, into its own policy as well as consulted with animal rights organisations including World Animal Protection.
EasyJet holidays says it will also work closely with hotelier partners to educate and inform on the importance of animal welfare.
Under the new policy, easyJet holidays won’t offer or promote any harmful animal-based attractions within its tours and activities programme, including captivity attractions such as zoos and marine parks, animal performances, animal rides and sporting events involving animals.
Chief Operating Officer Matt Callaghan said: “As one of the largest tour operators, we’re committed to being an industry leader when it comes to responsible travel. Our own research tells us that sustainable travel experiences are important to our customers, so we want to make it easy for them to holiday better.
“We’re passionate about the protection and respect of all forms of nature in the destinations we offer holidays to, which is why we’ve made the decision to not offer or promote attractions that exploit animals within our tours and activities programme.
“We know tours and activities are a brilliant way to experience our holiday destinations, so we look forward to continuing to offer sustainable and responsible experiences for our customers to further enhance their well-deserved holiday.”
World Animal Protection UK Wildlife Campaigns Manager Katheryn Wise said: “EasyJet holidays has really stepped up for animals with this strong and ambitious animal welfare policy.
“From the outset easyJet holidays have been clear that they are committed to offering their customers responsible, wildlife friendly travel options and it has been a pleasure to work with a company focused on listening to their customers and choosing not to profit from captive wildlife entertainment.
“It is through working together and commitment like this that we can truly expect to see lasting change for wild animals across the world.”
EasyJet holidays also operates several other environmental initiatives, such as tackling food waste in hotels, providing Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to partner hotels, offering lesser-known alternative destinations and partnering with UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) to help develop the first environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework for tourism businesses.