Supporting responsible animal experiences in tourism
We have a strict Animal Welfare Policy in place, which has the overall aim of increasing focus on animal welfare in the tourism industry.
One of the important aspects of the policy is that no animals should ever be harmed in connection with our holiday products. We believe wildlife has the right to a life in the wild, free from any form of exploitation, in a natural habitat that is protected. We completely distance ourselves in our operations from conditions that contradict those basic rules, and recommend to our customers that they always experience animals in their natural enviroment, on the animals' terms. In connection with the policy, we signed a binding animal welfare pledge with the international World Animal Protection organisation in 2022.
In short, the pledge means that we will completely move away from selling or promoting activities that use wild animals in captivity for entertainment, such as riding or bathing with elephants; taking selfies with tigers; walking with lions; swimming with dolphins and similar activities.
In addition, we address interactions with other animals, such as animals in care, where we can influence or affect our partners and suppliers throughout the value chain. We provide guidance and set requirements, and we prioritise suppliers who ensure the animals under their care receive the highest possible welfare in accordance with the principles and guidelines defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Animal Protection.
We no longer use images of animals for marketing purposes. If we do use them, it is solely to advocate for good animal welfare or to highlight approved excursions by World Animal Protection where animals are in their natural habitat.
New animal friendly excursions added to our portfolio
For the past three years, we have worked closely with World Animal Protection to guide customers to holiday experiences that are conducted in a responsible manner and with respect for animals in their natural habitat. In 2024, we added five animal-friendly excursions to our excursion programme – all supported and approved by World Animal Protection.
World Animal Protection is also an important partner for us when situations arise at destinations where animal issues need to be assessed, or actions need to be taken. They support us with control and guidance and help ensure that the right precautions and considerations are taken. They also help us develop communication that we use to guide both our employees and customers, so our customers can make the right choices when traveling with us.
Find useful tips and excursions on our local websites for our brands, Ving, Spies and Tjäreborg:
About World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection is an international non-profit animal welfare organisation that has been in operation since 1981. The charity's mission is to create a better world for animals by protecting them. NLTG and World Animal Protection has been working closely since 2022 to protect animals in the travel industry.
Read more about World Animal Protection:
