For many people, holidays are the best time of the year – the days when they get away from it all to explore the world and relax. However, while we relax and enjoy distant countries, we often overlook the fact that our behaviour there can have devastating effects on wildlife. Especially in popular tourist regions, animals are often exploited to cater to the demands of mass tourism.

The sad picture of animal suffering in tourism
In many countries, animals are not only attractions, but also often victims of poor conditions and mistreatment. Activities such as elephant rides or bathing with elephants, photo shoots with tigers or shows with wild animals seem appealing at first glance. But appearances are deceptive: behind the scenes of these tourist attractions, conditions are often atrocious. The animals are torn from their natural environment, kept under unimaginable stress and often made docile by violence and coercion.

Dominik del Castillo, Wildlife Campaigner at FOUR PAWS Switzerland, explains: «Elephants, for example, which are used at popular travel destinations for rides or for people to bathe with, are often subjected to brutal training methods. They are separated from their mothers as young animals and kept in isolation.»
The animals have had to endure painful training for tourists to enjoy a brief, seemingly harmless attraction; injuries, illnesses and psychological stress are the consequences. Tigers forced to pose for photo shoots are in a similar position – often heavily sedated and kept in tiny cages. Del Castillo summarises: «The price of these so-called experiences is far too high for the animals.»

Animal-friendly travel: Sustainable alternatives for unforgettable experiences
The good news is that animal-friendly travelling is not only possible, but also very rewarding. There are numerous alternatives that offer unforgettable holiday experiences and focus on the protection of animals and their habitats.

A great example of this is ecotourism. National parks and nature reserves offer the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat – without any stress or interference with their behaviour. Safari tours or bird watching are not only exciting, but also educational and respectful of the animal world. The only rules: do not harass or feed the animals, and keep your distance.

If you would like to contribute actively to animal welfare, you can also visit sanctuaries or protection centres. These establishments frequently offer tours where you can learn more about the rescue work and observe animals that have been rescued from terrible conditions. Not only is this an ethically justifiable option, but it also helps to ensure that the work of these organisations can continue. However, it is important not to be misled by the term «protection centre» or «sanctuary». Many tourist institutions use these terms to attract travellers without the facility being a genuine protection centre. A real sanctuary does not breed animals, does not allow direct contact with them and provides the animals with the possibility to withdraw.

Dos and don'ts for an animal-friendly holiday
Choosing an animal-friendly holiday often involves small but important decisions. FOUR PAWS has produced a helpful brochure in English, German; French that provides travellers with practical tips on how to travel responsibly. Here is a small selection of the most important dos and don'ts on holiday:

• Dos:
  • Visit sanctuaries or protection centres.
  • Favour tours where you can observe animals in their natural environment, for example in national parks.
  • Pay active attention to animal welfare.
• Don'ts:
  • Don't pursue activities where animals are displayed in captivity or abused for entertainment purposes, such as elephant rides or dolphin shows.
  • Don't buy any souvenirs made from animal products, such as ivory, tortoiseshell or skins.
  • Don't take selfies with wild animals – even if these appear harmless at first glance, animal suffering is often present.

In summary: Set an example for animal welfare

Each of us can make a positive difference on holiday by choosing animal-friendly alternatives. Whether it's the choice of activities or support for local animal welfare projects – every decision counts. By consciously opting for animal-friendly travel, we make an important contribution to the protection of animals and their habitats.

Visit the FOUR PAWS website in ​German or ​French to find out more about animal-friendly travel or view the guide in English ​here. Together we can reduce animal suffering in tourism and contribute to a better future for all animals.