Letter to Travel Industry: Stand Up for Animals | Responsible Travel

Dear Travel Influencers, Brands, and Fellow Advocates,

We’re in a moment of extraordinary opportunity. As voices within the travel community, we have the power to shape how people experience the world – and how they protect it. But with this influence comes a responsibility to advocate for those who have no voice, especially the animals who are so often exploited in the name of tourism. Together, let’s redefine what responsible travel means.

This is a call to action. A call to join hands, speak out, and lead a movement toward a kinder, more ethical world of travel – one that not only respects local cultures and environments but also defends the well-being of every creature we encounter. Let’s make responsible travel the new standard.

Why This Matters to Me

This is personal. A few years ago, I said goodbye to my beloved dog, Steven. He was sick, and watching him suffer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. In his final days, I made a promise to myself to give back in his honor, to do what I could to fight for animals who can’t fight for themselves. It’s in his memory that I’m committed to advocating for animal well-being and responsible travel.

I share this story because I want you to know that my call to action comes from the heart. This isn’t just about tourism – it’s about doing what’s right, for every creature, big and small. Animal welfare in tourism is more than a trend; it’s a movement we must all stand behind.

How We Can Make a Difference: Actionable Steps for Responsible Travel

Sources: World Animal Protection; Encyclopaedia Britannica

1. Educate and Inspire Your Audience to Choose Animal-Free Attractions

Instead of promoting interactions with captive animals or wildlife in unnatural settings, promote destinations and activities that don’t compromise animal welfare. Inspire your followers to look for experiences like wildlife sanctuaries focused on rehabilitation (not entertainment), nature hikes, or safaris that respect animals in their natural habitats.

Actionable Step

Use your platform to share information about the facts behind animal attractions. Educate your audience about why elephant rides, tiger petting, and dolphin shows are harmful, and suggest ethical travel alternatives that support conservation.

Want the full scoop on animal-friendly vs. harmful attractions? Check out this guide on 200 Ethical Examples vs. Abusive Attractions for all the details!

2. Partner Only with Ethical Organizations and Tour Operators

When working with brands or tourism boards, do a little extra research to make sure their values align with yours. Look for companies committed to ethical practices, including responsible wildlife tourism, eco-friendly accommodations, and support for local communities.

Actionable Step

Create a “responsible partners” policy for your collaborations, and be transparent about it. List your ethical guidelines in your content or profiles so followers know you’re committed to animal welfare and sustainable tourism. This can also set a powerful example for others in the industry.

3. Focus on “Leave No Trace” and Eco-Friendly Travel

We must protect not only animals but also the environments they live in. Educate your followers on the importance of leaving places as they found them, minimizing waste, and respecting natural habitats.

Actionable Step

Post content that highlights eco-friendly travel tips – like avoiding single-use plastics, supporting local businesses, and practicing “leave no trace” principles. Let’s make sustainable travel aspirational and achievable.

4. Use Your Voice to Speak Out Against Animal Exploitation in Tourism

Consider taking a stand against specific practices or attractions that exploit animals, such as circuses, roadside zoos, or “sanctuaries” that allow direct interaction with wildlife. This can also include popular activities like dog sledding, which can hide animal mistreatment behind a tourist experience. Use hashtags, posts, and stories to raise awareness, even if it’s just a small message in your caption.

Actionable Step

Join in or host a social media campaign with a message like #TravelKindly or #AnimalsNotEntertainment to spread the word. Ask your followers to tag friends, share their own stories, or sign petitions.

5. Show the Beauty of Ethical Wildlife Experiences

Highlight destinations and experiences that give a glimpse of wildlife without intruding on it. Whether it’s spotting wild elephants in national parks, snorkeling near a protected reef, or watching birds in their natural habitat, there are ways to experience animals respectfully.

Actionable Step

Curate content around ethical wildlife encounters and tag the parks, sanctuaries, and organizations that do it right. A positive example can inspire change more than criticism alone.

6. Share Resources on How to Spot “Greenwashing” and Unethical Tourism

Many brands and destinations claim to be “eco-friendly” or “wildlife-friendly” but don’t practice what they preach. By teaching your audience how to recognize greenwashing, we empower them to make truly ethical travel choices.

Actionable Step

Create a guide or checklist on identifying ethical practices in tourism. Share tips like looking for third-party certifications (such as Wildlife Friendly or Global Sustainable Tourism Council) and reading reviews from trusted sources.

7. Collaborate with Other Influencers to Magnify the Message

Imagine the impact if we come together to amplify this message. When influencers unite, we create a wave that can’t be ignored. Consider teaming up with other travel influencers who share this mission for joint campaigns, shared content, or even a pledge that followers can sign.

Actionable Step

Reach out to like-minded influencers to coordinate a week where each of you posts content about animal welfare and responsible travel. With one voice we’ll be stronger and louder.

Quiz: Are You an Advocate for Responsible Travel?

1, Do you research the animal welfare practices of destinations or brands before promoting them?
A) Always
B) Sometimes
C) Rarely
2, Do you choose to avoid attractions that use captive animals?
A) Yes, as much as possible
B) Sometimes, if there are alternatives
C) Not often
3, Are you comfortable educating your followers on the harms of certain tourism practices?
A) Yes, it’s part of my mission
B) Sometimes, but it can be challenging
C) I haven’t really thought about it

Results:

• Mostly A’s: You’re a responsible travel advocate! Keep setting an example and inspiring your followers to travel kindly.
• Mostly B’s: You’re on the right track. With a few more steps, you can lead by example and make a real difference.
• Mostly C’s: Time to rethink. Learn more about responsible travel and how you can be part of the change.

Let’s Make the Change, Together

Imagine a world where every photo of an animal is taken from a respectful distance, every destination promoted is eco-conscious, and every travel experience shared is cruelty-free. As influencers and brands, we have a rare chance to make this vision a reality. Our voices have power – and when we unite, we can turn the travel industry into a force for good.

This isn’t just about saying no to unethical practices; it’s about saying yes to a future where travel heals, connects, and uplifts. Let’s commit to responsible travel, support ethical brands, and be the voices animals and ecosystems need. We owe it to them, to our followers, and to the world.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring. Let’s #TravelKindly.