Michelin Guide Says No to Cruel Animal Tourism

For too long, animals around the world have been used as attractions in the tourism industry — from elephants and camels forced to give rides under harsh conditions, to exploitative spectacles like bullfighting that treat sentient beings as commodities. These practices are not only painful and stressful for animals, but they also send the wrong message about what ethical travel should look like. At a time when travelers increasingly demand humane, responsible experiences, many guidebooks and booking platforms continue to promote attractions that harm animals as “must-do” activities.

Animal welfare experts agree that cruelty in tourism causes real suffering. Elephants and camels can endure long hours of labor under extreme heat with little rest or proper care, and bloodsports like bullfighting involve the repeated torment and killing of bulls for entertainment. Public opposition to bullfighting continues to grow, with eight out of ten Spaniards now rejecting the gruesome spectacle — a clear sign that social values are shifting toward compassion and ethical tourism.

That’s why the Michelin Guide’s new animal welfare standards are such an important step forward. As the Michelin Green Guide turns 100, Michelin Éditions has confirmed that it will no longer recommend tourist activities that use animals, including elephant and camel rides, and has ended sales of leather goods bearing its brand. In the newest Green Guide Spain edition, Michelin also explicitly advises readers that bullfighting is “an abusive and declining tradition,” acknowledging both the cruelty involved and the growing public opposition within Spain itself.

By removing exploitative animal attractions from its recommendations and warning travelers about cruel traditions, Michelin is helping millions of people make more informed, compassionate choices. This shift reduces demand for harmful activities and pressures the global travel industry to evolve toward humane alternatives that celebrate culture and nature without causing animal suffering.

Please sign this petition to thank the Michelin Guide for taking a stand against animal exploitation and for helping travelers choose humane, compassionate experiences. By leading the way on ethical tourism, Michelin is making it easier for millions of people to explore the world without supporting cruelty.

The petition to thank Michelin Guide reads: We applaud Michelin for implementing historic animal welfare standards and for ending recommendations for exploitative animal attractions. We thank Michelin for using its global influence to promote ethical, responsible tourism that respects animals as sentient beings. We urge Michelin to continue strengthening these standards and leading the travel industry toward a more compassionate future.
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Sources:

PETA UK | Huge News! Michelin Green Guide Removes Cruel Animal Activities | https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/michelin-green-guide/

Blooloop | Michelin Guide Stops Recommending Animal Tourist Activities | https://blooloop.com/michelin-guide-animal-tourist-activities/

TravelPulse | Michelin Guide to Stop Recommending Tourist Activities Involving Elephants, Camels and Other Animals | https://www.travelpulse.com/news/entertainment/michelin-guide-to-stop-recommending-tourist-activities-involving-elephants-camels-and-other-animals