Virgin Holidays Introduces New Whale and Dolphin Welfare Policy

In 2017, Virgin Holidays strengthened its approach to wildlife tourism by announcing that it would no longer establish commercial relationships with new attractions or hotels offering entertainment involving captive whales and dolphins. The policy covered activities such as theatrical performances and opportunities for tourists to swim or interact directly with the animals. The decision built on our 2014 pledge to work towards ending the capture of wild whales and dolphins for tourism. Developed through discussions with animal welfare organisations, including the World Cetacean Alliance and the Born Free Foundation, the updated policy formed part of a five-point plan addressing the treatment of whales and dolphins in tourism. Alongside the restrictions on new partnerships, Virgin Holidays committed to working with existing suppliers to improve animal welfare standards, supporting the development of coastal sanctuaries and encouraging responsible whale and dolphin watching in the wild. The company also supported international efforts to discourage the capture of wild cetaceans and the construction of new entertainment facilities involving these animals. The policy represented a change in how Virgin Holidays selected and developed wildlife experiences, although it did not immediately end sales involving existing captive whale and dolphin attractions. Those relationships remained a subject of criticism from animal welfare organisations. A broader decision to stop selling and promoting captive whale and dolphin experiences followed in July 2019.