Traveloka is still promoting dolphin shows and it’s time for that to change.

Traveloka, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest travel booking platforms, continues to sell tickets to marine parks that exploit dolphins – including venues linked to the brutal Taiji dolphin hunts in Japan.

Every year, from September to March, entire dolphin pods are herded into a secluded cove in Taiji. These hunts are notorious for their cruelty. The water often runs red as dolphins are slaughtered, while the youngest and most ‘trainable’ are captured alive, separated, and sold to marine parks around the world where they face a lifetime in captivity, performing in shows for human entertainment. This practice has been condemned by marine scientists, conservationists, and the wider public – yet the demand for captive dolphins keeps it alive.

Traveloka sells tickets to marine parks that are part of this pipeline. By promoting these venues, Traveloka is profiting from and perpetuating this cycle of dolphin exploitation.

Since launching our petition in April 2024, we’ve repeatedly contacted Traveloka and their investors behind the scenes. We’ve provided detailed reports, and appeals signed by thousands of people – and we’ve even offered to support them in transitioning to an animal welfare policy and cutting ties with cruel venues.

Traveloka hasn’t responded to a single letter.

This silence speaks volumes. At a time when major travel companies are taking steps to become more ethical, Traveloka’s refusal to engage or even acknowledge the issue sets them apart – and not in a good way.

Now, we’re going public, and the pressure is growing fast.

We are calling out Traveloka’s links to dolphin cruelty as part of our global campaign to stop travel companies from fueling the Taiji dolphin hunts.

A growing global movement

We’ve launched a coordinated social media storm targeting Traveloka — and the response has been incredible.

Powerful organisations, both in Australia and overseas, are amplifying our message. Influential travel and animal welfare creators are using their platforms to demand better from Traveloka. The message is clear: cruelty has no place in tourism.

Check out some of the campaigns in action on our instagram page.

We’re not backing down

We’re keeping the pressure on — and we won’t stop until Traveloka cuts ties with Taiji-linked venues and introduces a meaningful animal welfare policy. Major travel companies like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia have already successfully taken steps to adopt animal welfare policies. In contrast, Traveloka continues to profit from venues linked to cruelty – including those tied to the brutal Taiji hunts.

You can read more in our Waves of Profit report, which outlines how some companies are turning the tide on marine mammal exploitation — while others are still fueling it.

By continuing to sell tickets to captive dolphin parks, Traveloka is fueling a cruel industry and falling behind the rest of the travel sector.

What we’re asking

We’re urging Traveloka to:

  • Cut all ties with venues linked to the Taiji dolphin hunts
  • Remove captive dolphin experiences from their platform
  • Introduce a formal animal welfare policy.

Until then, we will keep up the pressure – online, through the media, and in partnership with our global network. 

How you can help stop Traveloka’s dolphin cruelty

Why this matters

Dolphins are intelligent, social animals who suffer immensely in captivity. Confinement in tanks, forced performances, and the trauma of capture lead to long-term physical and psychological harm. For more information about the cruelty of dolphin captivity, see here.

By booking marine park tickets through Traveloka, travelers may unknowingly be supporting animal cruelty. It’s time for that to change.

Let’s show Traveloka there’s no place for animal cruelty in travel.

Whether you’re an ethical traveler, a wildlife advocate, or simply someone who cares – your voice matters. Join the campaign to tell Traveloka: stop profiting from dolphin suffering.

Action for Dolphins extend our deepest gratitude to all of the incredible advocates who have stepped up and used their voice for good in this campaign so far.