There are many opportunities for travelers to view or interact with animals in the countries in which Khiri Travel operates. Such experiences can raise awareness for the plight of these animals under pressure from diminishing habitats. These travel experiences can also create interest in supporting rehabilitation and conservation efforts and thereby increase animal protection.

However, the desire of travelers to interact with animals is often exploited for financial gain by operators – perhaps themselves not always aware of the damage they do. With regards to all of our activities that may include animals, both captive and wild, we constantly strive to understand the scope of our impacts on animals, and indeed the travel industry’s impact as a whole.

Khiri Travel adheres to the following code with regards to animals:

• – We partner with animal welfare and conservation organizations to raise awareness of animal welfare best practice with customers, suppliers and governments in the destinations in which we work.
•  
• – We strive to develop the means to assess and improve performance within our supply chain and likewise assist our industry partners to move in this direction.
•  
• – We oppose and do not support practices that are illegal and those that have a negative impact on animal welfare. As an organization, we believe that animals have rights also, such as the right to be free from hunger, thirst, pain and discomfort.

We believe that viewing of wildlife in their natural habitat is the best way to experience the incredible biodiversity Asia still has to offer.

We are working with ABTA’s (Association of British Travel Agents) Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism, in particular we are focusing on the following five sensitive areas where the tourism industry and wildlife in our region may have conflicting interests:

• – Conservation and rehabilitation centers for all animals, except elephants.
•  
• – All elephants experiences designed for tourists.
•  
• – Working animals.
•  
• – Viewing of wildlife in their natural habitat.
•  
• – Animals in captive environments, places and situations where travelers may come across unacceptable and discouraging practices regarding animals.

If you would like further information on the ABTA’s Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism, please email ABTA at [email protected]