by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 12:15 PM ET, Thu April 24, 2025
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:
- 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
- Tully Luxury Travel
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.
Topics From This Article to Explore
