BadTripAdvisors.com criticizes company’s collusion with animal rights extremists.
WASHINGTON, DC – The nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) launched BadTripAdvisors.com to criticize TripAdvisor’s new policy prohibiting booking for certain animal attractions such as elephant rides and swimming with dolphins.
TripAdvisor’s move comes after the company met with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an extremist animal-liberation group that wants to ban zoos, aquariums, cheeseburgers, ice cream, and even pet ownership. PETA has even killed 35,000 cats, dogs, and other animals by its own hand, according to documents the group files with Virginia, where it is headquartered.
BadTripAdvisors.com explains why TripAdvisor’s new policy is flawed. Ironically, many venues that TripAdvisor targets with negative ratings have very high ratings from TripAdvisor users. Some even carry a “Certificate of Excellence” from TripAdvisor itself. Further, animal experts say that dolphins enjoy contact with people.
“No company, including Trip Advisor, should take advice from PETA and change its policies to hurt consumers and businesses,” remarked Will Coggin, CCF research director. “Until TripAdvisor cancels its alliance with the pet-killers at PETA, consumers should use other travel websites.”
While TripAdvisor is taking the advice of fringe activists, the site has serious “fake news”-style flaws, such as a rating system that’s easily gamed with phony reviews. BadTripAdvisors.com calls on TripAdvisor to focus on things that matter to its users.
TripAdvisor’s stock dropped 46% in 2016 and fell further on Wednesday as the company reportedly missed revenue estimates in the 4th quarter. TripAdvisor’s collusion with animal rights extremists could hurt its efforts to attract more users.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
