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'Don't be afraid to say something': Why agents need to ask more questions about animal welfare on fam trips

Opinion
Marie Rowe
13 July 2026

Animal activities and attractions have long been a feature of fam trips, so what should agents do if they have concerns about a specific encounter or itinerary? And what can they do to avoid compromising their values while offering valuable feedback to a supplier? Writing for TTG, agents Marie Rowe and Annika Nickson share their experiences, and how they've navigated these challenges.

Annika Nickson (left) and Marie Rowe (right)
Annika Nickson / Marie Rowe

Annika (left) and Marie (right) want agents to be more inquisitive about the experiences they're offered on industry trips

With more travel agents placing sustainability and animal welfare at the heart of their businesses, a new question is emerging – should these same standards apply to the fam trips we attend?

As a founding member of the Responsible Travel Advisor Collective (RTAC), along with Annika Nickson, the answer for Annika and I is straightforward; if we're asking clients to think more carefully about the impact of their travel choices, we hold ourselves – and our sector – to the same standard.

Yet, both of us have on fam itineraries encountered attractions that failed to align with our core values. It raises an important question – are we asking enough questions before we travel?