Adventure World partners with Animals Asia to end bear bile farming
Adventure World has launched a new partnership with Animals Asia to work towards putting a stop to bear bile farming in Asia and provide sanctuary and care to animals affected by this cruel industry.
Off the back of Adventure World’s new brand identity and the launch of its Conservation Collection, the brand has committed to donating $300 from every Asia land booking to Animals Asia.
The money will go towards ‘Mend a Broken Bear’ packages, and help Animals Asia rescue bears from bear bile farms, provide life-long care for rescued bears and work towards putting a stop to the industry in Asia by promoting herbal and synthetic alternatives and raising awareness.
Over 10,000 bears – mainly moon bears but also sun bears and brown bears – are held in captivity on farms in Asia to have bile extracted from their gallbladders on a regular basis, which is sold as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat gallstones and liver disease.
Speaking at a launch event at the Australian Museum in Sydney this morning, Adventure World managing director, Neil Rodgers said this cause is particularly close to his heart.
“I’m obsessed with animals and animal welfare and partnership immediately struck me,” he said.
“We have a target of $1.5 million over the next three years that we want to raise for Animals Asia, with lots of different metrics, so that by 2026, we will look hopefully rescue the last bear [from bear bile farms] in Vietnam.”
Through this new partnership, Adventure World has also incorporated a visit to one of Animals Asia’s bear sanctuaries on one of its Conservation Collection trips.
Touching on the brand’s refreshed identity, Rodgers said Adventure World’s new look and messaging was launched to better reflect the company’s eco-credentials and convey the brand’s commitment to sustainably-led travel.
“Today, I felt like a little caterpillar that has got his wings,” he said of the new brand identity.
“We needed to revisit what Adventure World looks like by bringing the brand to the people and saying ‘sustainability counts’.
“We enable travellers to have a positive impact on the world, but our goal is actually that they don’t recognise that they’re doing it.”
Rodgers said the new brand identity would also benefit the travel agent community by making it easier for agents to talk about sustainability with their clients.
“On the path to purchase now people are asking, ‘Are we travelling sustainably?’ ‘What am I doing with this operator?’ ‘Do they have credentials?’,” Rodgers said.
“When you book with Adventure World, or any of our Travel Corporation brands, we are able to show that we can offer ethical travel for conscious travellers looking to explore because we believe as travellers we have the power to influence change.”
During the launch event, Adventure World also revealed it was supporting the Australian Museum’s 2023 exhibition Ramses The Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs as part of its longstanding partnership with the museum.
“Adventure World’s ongoing support enables us to realise our vision and to further transform this museum with dynamic exhibitions, develop educational programmes that inspire learning, and conduct and share vital research and scholarship,” said Kim McKay, director and CEO of the Australian Museum.
“Together, we continue to tell the stories of our age and its people cultures and environments, in more compelling ways so that we can help ensure resilience for the future.”
You can read more about Animals Asia’s efforts to end bear bile farming HERE.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
adventure world Animals Asia australian museum bear bile farming Conservation Collection kim mckay Neil RodgersLatest News
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.