Expedia has decided not to sell any more travel packages that include tickets to see captive dolphins perform tricks in a pool.
Travel companies around the world have been under pressure to ensure their offerings don't continue harmful and shady animal tourism.
Expedia informed the world via its Twitter account that times are a'changing with their policies.
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"Attractions and activities that involve performances by or interactions with dolphins and other cetaceans will no longer be available on our sites," it wrote on the social media site.
The company explained on its website that they are embarking on a new vision for guilt-free travel experiences after consulting with animal experts.
"These individuals are most qualified to evaluate the welfare of animals since they care for them and understand the quality of the facilities that house them," Expedia explained.
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They will now require tour operators to ensure animals have appropriate nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, choice and control, and their affective or mental states are looked after.
Expedia has banned any offer that provides 'intentional physical contact with wild and exotic animals, which include but are not limited to dolphins, whales, cetaceans, elephants, big cats, bears, reptiles and primates'.
The company explained that they would offer tickets to some dolphin attractions, but only on one condition.
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"Seaside sanctuaries that provide captive animals with a permanent seaside living environment are allowed if they are accredited and do not feature interactions or performances," they said.
Expedia has now followed Virgin Holidays who, back in 2019, introduced a rule that prohibited them from selling experiences or holiday packages to customers if they involved live dolphin performances.
Expedia is expected to bring in their rule early next year and their providers will have 30 days from then to 'comply with the updated policy or face removal from the site'.
The move has been heralded by animal welfare campaigners.
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Katheryn Wise, from the wildlife charity World Animal Protection, said: "This is amazing news and something that we have been campaigning for since 2019. We are so pleased that they have listened.
"Travel companies play a huge role in driving captive dolphin entertainment and as one of the largest travel companies in the world we are delighted that Expedia Group are making a stand. It's time for other travel giants ... to do the right thing and follow suit."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy