In a meaningful victory for animal welfare, Aero Travels has taken a compassionate step forward by removing horse and camel rides from its tour packages in Giza. This positive change comes just weeks after Marriott Bonvoy announced it would no longer offer or promote such rides at the iconic pyramids.
These decisions follow a wave of public pressure, with more than 12,000 PETA supporters demanding an end to the cruel exploitation of animals for tourism. Aero Travels acted swiftly—just one week after PETA called on its supporters to contact the company, urging it to stop profiting from the suffering of animals forced to haul tourists under the harsh desert sun.
PETA is now calling on Stubborn Mule Travel and On The Go Tours to follow Aero Travels’ lead and eliminate horse and camel rides from their offerings.
PETA Asia’s latest investigation into the Giza site exposed shocking cruelty: handlers were seen viciously beating camels and horses who were exhausted, injured, and denied access to food, water, or shelter. Malnourished horses were spotted scavenging in garbage heaps, and dead animals were found dumped daily near the pyramids. Camels deemed too old or sick were taken to slaughterhouses, where they had their throats slit while still conscious. In one harrowing video, a camel is seen kicking for minutes after her throat was cut.
“Kind holidaymakers wouldn’t dream of climbing on the back of a horse or camel, who suffer horrific abuse at the Great Pyramids,” says Vice President of Corporate Projects Yvonne Taylor. “Aero Travels’ decisive action will stand them in good stead with compassionate tourists who only want to deal with companies that shun these shameful rides. Those operators still profiting from animal abuse in Egypt must immediately follow suit.”
Horses are deeply social animals who grieve the loss of companions, while camels bond by blowing air into each other’s faces in greeting. Exploiting them for entertainment is not only unethical but also unnecessary in an age of responsible tourism.
Aero Travels now joins more than 50 travel companies, including Marriott, Airbnb, Audley Travel, British Airways Holidays, easyJet holidays, Exodus Adventure Travels, Flash Pack, Hays Travel, Scott Dunn, and Travel Republic, that have committed to a cruelty-free approach at the pyramids.
We urge all travel companies to make the same compassionate choice and end their involvement in this outdated and abusive industry. Animals are not tourist attractions, they deserve respect, not exploitation.
