Travel Pulse Canada: Campaign Prompts Tour Operators to Drop Camel Rides Near Giza Pyramids

Several global tour operators are removing camel rides from their Egypt itineraries following a campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that exposed animal abuse at the Giza pyramid complex.

PETA's undercover investigation revealed that camels and horses used for tourist rides at Giza were subjected to beatings, denied adequate food and water, and abandoned when injured or exhausted.

In response, nearly 50 tour operators have ceased promoting or selling these rides, marking a significant shift in the tourism industry's approach to animal welfare, Travel Weekly reports.

Companies that have ended camel ride offerings include:​

Tully Luxury Travel
Abercrombie & Kent USA
Tauck
Grand Circle Corporation
Scott Dunn
TCS World Travel
Wilderness Travel
Travel Leaders Group
Artisans of Leisure
Airbnb
AdventureWomen
Geographic Expeditions
Virtuoso
Black Tomato
Shore Excursions Group
ToursByLocals
Under30Experiences
World Travel Holdings
British Airways Holidays
easyJet holidays
Exodus Adventure Travels

According to PETA, these companies have either removed camel rides from their offerings or committed not to promote them in the future.

“Top travel companies across the country are dropping camel ride promotions like hot potatoes,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said.

“PETA is celebrating these in-the-know companies for cutting ties with cruelty to camels, and we’re calling on Egyptian authorities to take note and ban these shameful rides that harm animals and disturb tourists.”

In a move towards more ethical tourism, Egypt has introduced electric buses at the Giza complex, providing visitors with animal-free transportation options.

As awareness of animal welfare grows, the tourism industry is increasingly aligning with ethical practices, offering travellers compassionate alternatives to traditional attractions.

See the article on Travel Pulse Weekly Canada's website