Several travel companies, including Airbnb, have pledged to end camel and animal rides at popular sites in Egypt.
The decision follows an investigation by animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which exposed the poor treatment of working animals such as camels and horses. PETA's report found many cases of animals being malnourished, abused, and even inhumanely abandoned when they were no longer able to work.
Several travel companies have pledged to end tours that involve camel and animal rides at popular sites in Egypt.
Tracy Reiman, Executive Vice President of PETA, said a growing number of travel companies are opposing the use of animals in these activities and encouraging visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Pyramids and other sites without contributing to animal cruelty.
The list of travel companies that have stopped offering animal rides includes Airbnb, British Airways Holidays, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, Exodus Adventure Travels, Grand Circle Corporation, TCS World Travel and Scott Dunn. “PETA applauds the decision by Airbnb and other travel companies to end these shameful animal rides. We also call on the Egyptian government to take responsibility and protect these animals,” Reiman said.
According to Travel Pulse, PETA has repeatedly contacted Egyptian government officials, including the country's Ministry of Tourism, to call for regulations to protect working animals in the tourism industry. The organization continues to campaign for improved living conditions for animals here.
Working animals such as camels and horses have long been associated with Egypt's tourism industry, playing an important role in taking visitors to explore historical sites.
In Egypt, working animals such as camels and horses have long been associated with the tourism industry, playing an important role in bringing tourists to explore historical sites. At the Giza Pyramids, the Sahara Desert or the Valley of the Kings, the image of tourists riding camels through the sand dunes or taking a horse-drawn carriage to visit the monuments has become a typical feature. These experiences not only provide a unique perspective on the majestic landscape but also contribute to maintaining the livelihoods of many local people, who have depended on this service for their livelihood for generations. However, in recent years, the use of animals in tourism has caused many controversies related to animal welfare, prompting animal rights organizations to make an impact on travel agencies to quickly end this situation.
