The operator on Tuesday (26 March) confirmed it will no longer sell tickets to venues “which feature cetaceans (orcas, whales and dolphins) for entertainment”. The change will take effect on Wednesday (27 March). Jet2 has, though, told customers all existing bookings will be honoured.
"A key driver of our success is the fact that we continually review every element of our operation, and as part of that process, we encourage and welcome feedback from a range of stakeholders,” said a Jet2 spokesperson.
"Consequently, and following a thorough end-to-end review, we can confirm that Jet2holidays will no longer sell tickets to venues which feature cetaceans (orcas, whales and dolphins) for entertainment. This comes into effect from 27/03/2024. However, we can confirm that all existing bookings will be honoured.”
It comes after easyJet holidays earlier this month stopped offering zoos and marine parks under its new animal welfare policy, in which it commits not to offer harmful animal-based attractions with its tours and activities.
Jet2 has in recent years come under scrutiny for its decision to continue selling captive animal attractions, and has been a target for animal rights activists.
More: Tui left isolated on marine parks stance by rivals
Last year, it defended its stance on selling tickets for marine parks after Smiths singer and songwriter Morrissey publicly called the operator out. Love Island alumnae Faye Winter, Olivia Bowen and Belle Hassan have also all called on Jet2 to stop selling such attractions.
Loro Parque in Tenerife was one such attraction sold by Jet2. Vice-president Christoph Kiessling said: "We are hugely grateful to Jet2 for the successful commercial partnership we have enjoyed over the years, and are sad that this is coming to an end."
Elisa Allen, vice-president of programmes at Peta, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: "Jet2holidays made the right call to cut ties with parks that confine orcas and other dolphins to concrete tanks that are to them the size of bathtubs and force them to perform circus-like stunts for human entertainment."
Meanwhile, World Animal Protection wildlife campaigns manager Katheryn Wise said she was "delighted" by Jet2’s decision, stating "wild animals belong in the wild, not in captivity for our entertainment".
"As both the tourist industry and the public become increasingly aware of the suffering of captive cetaceans tour operators have a responsibility to stop driving demand for these cruel attractions," she added.
Jet2holidays is the UK’s largest tour operator and Atol holder, while easyJet holidays is the third largest operator by Atol size. TTG has approached Tui, the UK’s second largest operator, for comment on its stance on selling marine parks.
