Created in consultation with animal rights groups such World Animal Protection, the new policy not only rules out zoos and marine parks, but also attractions featuring animal performances and animal rides, as well as sporting events featuring animals.
The operator said it would also work closely with hotelier partners to educate and inform them on the importance of animal welfare. EasyJet holidays said its new policy incorporated Abta’s animal welfare guidelines, setting out “basic welfare requirements” and “unacceptable practices”.
“We’re passionate about the protection and respect of all forms of nature in the destinations we offer holidays to, which is why we’ve made the decision to not offer or promote attractions that exploit animals within our tours and activities programme,” said chief operating officer Matt Callaghan.
The policy sets easyJet holidays apart from two of its biggest rivals, Tui and Jet2holidays, which continue to sell tickets for marine amusement parks and have been the subject of protests and pickets by animal rights groups.
Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection’s UK wildlife campaigns manager, said: “From the outset easyJet holidays have been clear that they are committed to offering their customers responsible, wildlife friendly travel options.
"It has been a pleasure to work with a company focused on listening to their customers and choosing not to profit from captive wildlife entertainment. It is through working together and commitment like this that we can truly expect to see lasting change for wild animals across the world.”
The policy forms part of easyJet and easyJet holidays’ wider ESG commitments, which include tackling food waste with its hotel partners and making airprot transfers electric.
It has also partnered with UN agency UN Tourism to help develop the first ESG framework for tourism businesses, which feature a tool allowing firms to better measure, monitor and manage the impact of tourism on the environment and people.
