The Big Question: Should travel firms still be selling captive animal attractions?

At TTG, we believe in encouraging high-quality debate and discussion to drive progress. After Thomas Cook last month announced it would stop selling captive cetacean attractions – those featuring dolphins, orcas or whales – our Big Question series continues in August with an assessment of travel’s progress on animal welfare, paying particular attention to captive animal attractions.

Every year, millions of tourists enjoy holidays that centre around seeing or observing creatures, and travel has long sold experiences that feature animals.

But as time has gone on, travel has begun to reassess its relationship with the natural world – especially when it comes to offering experiences where animals have been removed from their natural habitat or eco-system, or where they are involved in activities that are clearly detrimental to their health and welfare.

The subject has also become an increasingly important consideration for travel’s longer-term sustainability ambitions, particularly with interest in wildlife tourism continuing to grow off the back of the pandemic and a broader desire to preserve the natural world and its inhabitants to safeguard the planet’s future.

What do you think? Join in the debate in the comments section below, or email feedback@ttgmedia.com. Alternatively, head to one of TTG’s social media channels to get involved.