DERTOUR Group cancels all excursions with captive marine mammals
DERTOUR Group, one of Europe’s largest tour operators, has announced it will stop offering any excursions or attractions involving captive marine mammals from November 2025, in a major step towards more ethical and sustainable tourism.
The travel company said the decision aligns with its commitment to animal welfare and responsible travel. The move places DERTOUR alongside other major industry players such as Expedia and Thomas Cook, which have already taken similar steps.
The change means that activities involving direct contact between humans and marine mammals, such as swimming with dolphins, will no longer be available. Shows that require animals to perform unnatural behaviours, or any activity that forces them out of the water, will also be removed from their programme.
However, whale and dolphin watching experiences in their natural habitat, i.e. boat trips, will continue unaffected, as these are seen as responsible ways to observe wildlife.
“Our goal is to ensure that our offerings meet the highest standards of animal welfare,” said Laura Steden, DERTOUR Group’s Director of Corporate Responsibility. “This means not supporting attractions that go against the needs of these animals.”
While acknowledging that the decision means parting ways with some well-known attractions, DERTOUR emphasised that its updated animal welfare strategy was developed with expert guidance and in accordance with standards set by the UK’s Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
The move is being widely welcomed as another strong example of the travel industry shifting towards more sustainable and compassionate tourism practice, both in the Canary Islands and worldwide.
Share:
