USTOA amplifies conservation pledge for World Wildlife Day

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As World Wildlife Day nears, USTOA highlights travel’s role in conservation. Explore curated tours promoting ecosystem preservation.

As the countdown to World Wildlife Day on March 3 begins, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) underscores the pivotal role of the travel sector in safeguarding the Earth’s diverse ecosystems. World Wildlife Day serves as an annual reminder to ponder the marvels of nature and acknowledge travelers’ duty to its preservation.

“Tangible efforts within the travel industry, particularly among USTOA affiliates, underscore our awareness of environmental impact. World Wildlife Day reinforces the imperative of nurturing sustainable tourism for the enduring health of our planet,” remarked USTOA President & CEO Terry Dale.

In commemoration of World Wildlife Day, USTOA has curated a selection of tours designed to offer unforgettable experiences while fostering a profound reverence for global ecosystem conservation.

Below are highlights of tours presented by USTOA member operators:

• Abercrombie & Kent’s India Wildlife Safari spans 11 days, showcasing India’s architectural marvels alongside its biodiverse jungles, including tiger tracking in Bandhavgarh National Park and cultural immersion in Delhi. Departures are available for April 15, 2024, and October 7, 2024, with prices starting at $10,995 per person.
• Audley Travel’s Waterfalls & Wildlife of Uganda presents a 14-day exploration of Uganda’s natural wonders, featuring Murchison Falls and encounters with chimpanzees and tree-climbing lions in Kibale Forest. Private tours are offered year-round, starting at $17,450 per person.
• EF Go Ahead Tours’ Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Cruise offers a ten-day voyage exploring Ecuador’s landscapes and the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity, emphasizing conservation efforts. Group tours depart throughout the year, with prices beginning at $5,434 per person.
• Exodus Adventure Travels’ Discover Costa Rica unfolds over 15 days, highlighting the country’s protected lands and diverse wildlife. Departures are monthly, with prices starting at $5,250 per person, featuring a Citizen Science Departure allowing guests to contribute to global species data.
• Trafalgar’s Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Escape spans seven days, exploring Australia’s Kangaroo Island and supporting wildlife recovery efforts. Departures for September 2, 2024, and October 21, 2024, start at $2,912 per person.
• Intrepid’s Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer offers an 11-day voyage to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Endeavour, featuring encounters with penguins, seals, and whales. Departures for December 18, 2024, December 27, 2024, and January 26, 2025, begin at $9,250 per person.

Dale further noted that many USTOA members are actively implementing animal welfare policies to ensure ethical treatment of animals in their destinations.