New System Aims to Improve Wild Animal Welfare in Tourism
A recent study by Maria Jesús Bonilla-Priego, Xavier Font, and Gloria Crabolu introduces an innovative rating and ranking system aimed at improving wild animal welfare practices within tourism distribution channels. The research addresses the lack of standardized guidelines in the industry and seeks to bring accountability and positive change through a structured approach. The system, developed as a soft regulatory framework, assesses tourism companies based on four key areas:
Policy and Commitment Statements: Companies are evaluated on whether they have clear and comprehensive policies that prioritize the well-being of wild animals. Higher scores are awarded to firms that explicitly ban harmful practices, such as interactions with captive dolphins or elephant riding, and clearly define their animal welfare commitments.
Target Setting and Performance Measurement: This area looks at how well companies implement their welfare policies. It examines if they set measurable goals, monitor their progress, and report transparently on their achievements or gaps. The system rewards companies that provide detailed data on the impact of their operations and demonstrate accountability.
Industry Engagement: Here, the focus is on collaboration with suppliers. The system assesses whether companies integrate animal welfare standards into supplier contracts, conduct regular audits, and engage in capacity-building efforts. Firms that actively work to improve supplier practices and engage in broader conservation initiatives score higher.
Consumer Awareness Initiatives: Companies are also rated on how they educate and engage with consumers regarding ethical wildlife tourism. This includes providing educational resources, promoting responsible wildlife experiences, and creating avenues for tourists to report concerns. Effective consumer engagement is crucial for empowering travelers to make informed and ethical choices.
The system's initial assessments, conducted in 2020 and 2022 across 12 major tourism companies, show some progress but also highlight the need for more robust practices and greater transparency. The authors underscore challenges like quantifying ethical values and ensuring reliable data sources, but they believe that this framework can drive significant improvements if adopted widely.
For more information and to read the full study, visit: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2024.2424350.
