A wild shortfall

Many of the world’s travel trade associations are not doing enough to prevent wildlife cruelty in tourism.

Research commissioned by World Animal Protection said only 21 of the 62 associations had a page on their websites on sustainable tourism.

Of the 21, just six – including the UK’s ABTA – were communicating anything at all about animal welfare.

World Animal Protection estimates more than 550,000 captive wild animals worldwide

– including elephants, sloths, tigers and dolphins – are used for tourist entertainment.

A spokesman said: “Travel associations must step up, take action and commit to protecting wildlife.”