Do you know what happens behind the scenes in tourism?

In lots of countries tourism is the most important source of income, and it provides jobs for innumerable people. In many of these tourist countries animal cruelty is unfortunately a serious problem.

If you love animals, please avoid travelling to countries where animals are treated badly. It’s easy to find out about the situation in a country e.g. by making a simple Google search. Also these pages give you some information. The more people boycott unethical tourist destinations and services, the better. The tourists have the power to literally change the world!

Many tourist attractions involve horrific animal cruelty, e.g. elephant and donkey rides, dolphin shows and marine parks, swimming with dolphins, taking your picture together with exotic animals, circuses, zoos, blood fiestas (bullfighting etc.), other festivals and traditions involving direct or indirect torture of animals, hunting safaris, souvenirs (fur and leather products, ivory, animal teeth etc).

Below you can find some useful information on ethical tourism.

Your guide to animal-friendly tourism

How to be an animal-friendly tourist: Humane World for Animals’ top tips

How to be a compassionate traveler

Animal-friendly tourism

Summer without animal cruelty: 8 animal-friendly travel tips