Leeds-based Jet2holidays is among a group of holiday and experience providers named in a report from World Animal Protection highlighting companies who continue to “exploit wildlife for profit.”
The Real Responsible Traveller report, carried out by Savanta and scored by the University of Surrey during 2022’s peak holiday season, surveyed almost 24,000 holidaymakers from 15 countries and included nine leading UK travel companies or companies with significant UK operations, as well as companies from North and South America, India and Europe.
Of the UK/UK operating companies investigated, Luton-based TUI Musement, Berlin-headquartered GetYourGuide, Singaporian Trip.com, London-based AttractionTickets.com and Jet2holidays were all highlighted as falling short of WAP’s standards, despite the report showing that 84 per cent of UK citizens believe that tour operators should not sell activities that cause wild animals suffering.
The companies were scored by the University of Surrey across four key areas: Commitment, targets and performance, changing industry supply and changing consumer demand.
World Animal Protection then checked to see if they offered any of the following five “animal attractions”:
- Elephant rides, feeding and washing
- Feeding or petting primates
- Selfies, shows, petting or walking with big cats
- Swimming with captive dolphins and dolphin shows
- The sale of any interactive “experiences” involving any captive wild animals (including for example sea lions, crocodiles and alligators)
Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection wildlife campaign manager, said: “Holiday makers have made it clear – they don’t want tour operators selling animal suffering. But the reality is, suffering is still being sold under the guise of entertainment. Who you book your holiday with matters. TUI Musement, Jet2holidays, GetYourGuide Trip.com and Attraction Tickets.com are still exploiting captive wild animals.
“World Animal Protection is urging responsible travellers to join us in challenging these companies to do better for animals. Real responsible travellers have the power to act and create lasting change for wild animals by refusing to support companies that still treat wild animals as commodities who they can exploit for profit.”
A spokesperson for Jet2Holidays told Prolific North: ““We are aware of the debate surrounding such venues, and whilst there continues to be high customer demand, we recognise how critical it is that animal welfare standards are adhered to. It is important to note that we are committed to only working with venues that agree to uphold the highest standards. We are of course willing to engage with organisations on this matter in a respectful and constructive manner.”
The full list of UK companies investigated was: TUI Musement, GetYourGuide, Trip.com, AttractionTickets.com, Jet2holidays, Expedia, Airbnb, Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
