On Friday (5 November), Expedia tweeted: "We recently adjusted our animal welfare policy. As a result, attractions and activities that involve performances by or interactions with dolphins and other cetaceans will no longer be available on our sites."

World Animal Protection said the change of direction is "testament to the perseverance of over 350,000 World Animal Protection supporters who have been campaigning tirelessly" on the issue since 2019 and throughout the pandemic.

Wildlife campaign manager Katheryn Wise said travel companies play a "huge role" in driving captive dolphin entertainment through sales and promotion.

"As one of the largest travel companies in the world we are delighted that Expedia Group are making a stand," she continued. 

"It’s time for other travel giants like Tui to do the right thing and follow suit."

TripAdvisor and Virgin Holidays stopped selling captive animal attractions in 2019 while Canada, France, Brussels and New South Wales brought in bans on the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity.

Dutch travel association ANVR and South Africa’s SATSA state that captive cetacean entertainment is "unacceptable" in their guidelines for their member organisations.