From exploitation to thriving: Animal dignity in tourism

Serving as tourist attractions, entertainment, guests, trophies, modes of transportation, security, or service companions, animals have played a significant role in the tourism experience. Typically, the tourism-animal relationship has been instrumental if not exploitative, a condition that compromises the well-being and dignity of animals. As a result, the ethical treatment of animals has gained prominence within tourism research, with investigations into animal welfare, animal rights, animal ethics, and animal justice and equity. This research note explores the concept of animal dignity and its implications for tourism research and practice. Animal dignity offers a new perspective for the protection, well-being and flourishing of animals in tourism, particularly in these times of ecological crisis and biodiversity loss.