Ethical Guidelines for Animals in Tourism, A Belmont Report Adaptation

Abstract

Ethical guidelines have long been instrumental in ensuring responsible human behavior, particularly in protecting participants involved in research. The Belmont Report, a foundational document in human research ethics, outlines three key principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. However, ethical considerations for animals, especially in tourism, remain underdeveloped despite growing concerns over animal welfare. This study explores the potential for adapting the Belmont Report’s principles to create a set of ethical guidelines applicable to animals in tourism. Through a Delphi study, expert scholars in animal-based tourism provide feedback on these adapted principles. The research addresses the increasing demand for ethical oversight in animal-based tourism, where animals are often used in entertainment with limited regulatory standards. By integrating these modified principles into tourism practices, this study seeks to fill a critical gap in both academic literature and practical applications. The resulting guidelines aim to establish a universal ethical framework that promotes responsible and humane treatment of animals in tourism, while also enhancing tourists’ awareness and enabling informed decision-making. This research not only contributes to advancing animal welfare but also supports the development of policies and practices that foster sustainable and ethical tourism operations.