Morrissey writes to TUI demanding they stop selling trips to parks

Morrissey has written to TUI demanding the travel giant cuts ties with marine parks which continue to use captive orcas and dolphins. The former Smiths frontman slammed the tour operator for being the last major provider still offering holidays to the likes of Seaworld, in Florida, USA.

Other firms such as EasyJet, Jet2Holidays, Thomas Cook, British Airways and Virgin have all stopped selling trips to such attractions over animal welfare concerns. In a letter to TUI managing director Andrew Flintham the British singer has waded into the row.

He wrote: "TUI now has the dubious distinction of being the last major travel provider in the UK to provide a financial lifeline to these watery little hellholes. Contrary to your company tagline, the animals imprisoned at marine parks do not Live Happy.

"Anyone with a thinking bone in their body – or a drop of compassion – knows that not only does captivity kill the spirit of these imprisoned, intelligent, social beings, it often kills them."

He concludes his letter by asking: “Please will you find it in your heart – or realise that your business is tainted by these venues – and stop supporting these magnificent sea animals’ suffering?” The vegan musician is spearheading a campaign organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

A petition by the animal rights charity urging TUI to drop its association with marine parks has been signed by almost 120,000 people. A PETA spokesperson added: "After hearing from PETA entities, other travel companies – including Jet2holidays, Expedia, Tripadvisor, Thomas Cook, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, British Airways Holidays, Club Med, Airbnb, and Booking.com – have stopped selling tickets to places that keep orcas and other dolphins in tanks."

There was a public backlash against keeping killer whales and dolphins in captivity after the release of the documentary Blackfish.

SeaWorld previously announced in 2016 that it would stop breeding orcas. TUI has been contacted by the SWNS news agency for comment.