Animals and their Role in Tourism – Examples and Controversies from around the World and from Poland

Abstract

Fauna, which is an important element of tourist attractiveness, plays an essential role in tourist experience all over the world, and is intended for tourism use in multiple ways. The situation of animals and the approach to their use in tourism differ depending on location, and each of those places has its own legal and cultural approach to animal welfare. This article refers to a variety of examples and – most importantly – controversies from Poland and abroad. The results presented in the paper are based on the information acquired from scientific sources, statistical data, tourist opinions, reports in English and Polish, as well as own observations of the authors and opinions of tourists. The aim was to put forward experiences and practices concerning the use of animals in tourism, highlight its key ideas, and encourage other researchers and students to reflect critically on the place of animals in Polish tourism in particular.