The website is hoping to have the Abta-backed change of stance in place by early 2017 with the policies also being implemented on its Viator brand.

The change of policy will mean both sites will cease selling tickets for specific tourism experiences where travellers come into physical contact with captive wild animals and endangered species.

Included in the list will be elephant rides, tiger petting and swimming with dolphins with some being banned immediately.

Meanwhile the portal will provide links and information on animal welfare practices, helping travellers to write more informed reviews about their experience.

The changes are being backed by Abta and a number of other conservation organisations including Global Wildlife Conservation, Asian Elephant Support Think Elephants International and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).0

TripAdvisor president and chief executive Stephen Kaufer said: “TripAdvisor’s new booking policy and education effort is designed as a means to do our part in helping improve the health and safety standards of animals, especially in markets with limited regulatory protections.

“At the same time, we want to celebrate those destinations and attractions that are leaders in caring for animals and those in the tourism industry who help further the cause of animal welfare, conservation and the preservation of endangered species.

“We want to thank the dozens of trade groups, academics and nongovernmental organizations who helped us design our path forward as a company.

“TripAdvisor’s leadership position in travel means we can help educate millions of travelers about the diverse opinions that exist on matters of animal welfare. 

“We believe the end result of our efforts will be enabling travellers to make more thoughtful choices about whether to visit an animal attraction and to write more meaningful reviews about those attractions.”