Finland, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom Under Global Criticism
Recent reports show that the rise of animal‑interaction tourism across Europe has turned several countries—including Finland, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom—into the center of a serious environmental crisis, one that ranges from habitat destruction to the direct exploitation of wildlife.
According to Chamedan News, in 2025 these four nations—renowned for their pristine nature and unique attractions that draw millions of tourists each year—faced a wave of international criticism. Growing demand for wildlife tourism is now threatening fragile ecosystems and endangered species.
Finland: The Other Side of Tourism in Lapland
Lapland, a popular destination famous for its northern lights and unique wilderness, is now facing significant environmental threats. The expansion of safari tours, dog‑sled rides, and frequent tourist incursions into wildlife habitats have pushed many species away from their natural territories, placing extra strain on already delicate ecosystems.
Italy: The Destruction of Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches
Italy’s Mediterranean coasts, crowded with tourists, have become one of the most stressful environments for sea turtles. Unintentional trampling of nests, the spread of pollution, and disruption of natural silence in these sensitive habitats have severely affected the turtles’ nesting success and long‑term survival.
Greece: Zakynthos Under Tourist Pressure
In Zakynthos—one of Europe’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles—the massive influx of visitors and high‑noise activities have forced turtles to lay eggs in unsafe areas, increasing the likelihood of population decline and potential extinction.
United Kingdom: The Hidden Role in Exploitative Tourism
Many British tourists are drawn to experiences such as petting or riding wild animals and taking selfies with them. However, behind these seemingly innocent activities often lies violence and forced captivity. As one of the world’s largest sources of outbound tourism, the UK has been criticized for fueling global demand for animal exploitation.
Germany: Tiger Selfies and Elephant Rides
According to a report by FOUR PAWS, part of Germany’s tourism industry continues to use elephants and tigers for photo sessions and rides. These animals are often captured from the wild or subjected to abusive “training” methods to make them obedient.
The Future of Wildlife Tourism: Experts Warn
Environmental experts warn that if governments fail to impose stricter regulations and tourists do not change their behavior, many species and landscapes that make Europe so attractive could suffer irreversible harm by the end of this decade.
Issa Omidvar, Pioneer Iranian Explorer, Passes Away at 97
Issa Omidvar, who together with his brother Abdollah became the first Iranian world travelers, passed away on May 9, 2026, at the age of 97. In memory of his life, Mahdi Gohari, a travel‑literature researcher, shared a tribute note with Hamshahri Online.
In his piece, Gohari writes:
“The late Iraj Afshar, a distinguished scholar of Iranian culture and history, used to repeat a priceless phrase—‘the companionship of the pen with the step’. In other words, whatever you do and wherever you travel, write it down. It’s an important act, yet many travelers forget it. So much knowledge and so many valuable observations have been lost simply because they were never recorded.”
Gohari continues:
“As time advances and technology progresses, methods of documentation grow more diverse. But let us go back seventy years—to a time when filming, recording sound, or publishing text was far more difficult than today. Seventy years ago, two young Iranians set out on a bold, adventurous journey. Today, travel is equated with pleasure, but not so long ago it was synonymous with danger. Back then, Abdollah and Issa Omidvar, driven by curiosity and courage, left Iran to explore the unknown world. Unlike most travelers of their era who journeyed westward, they mounted their motorcycles and rode east.”
“If the Omidvar brothers had not combined the pen with the step—producing films, books, and articles about their adventures—only fragmented memories of their extraordinary journey would remain today. Their meticulous recording allows us to accompany them step by step, to feel their journey as if we were there ourselves. That two young Iranians persevered in documenting their travels despite every hardship was, for its time, a remarkable achievement.”
“They introduced Iranians to experiences of living six months among the Eskimos, trekking into the Amazon jungle, and dwelling with indigenous tribes. At a time when learning about remote corners of the world was difficult, the brothers made it possible for Iranians to witness it firsthand. Many watched their documentaries in movie theaters across the country. Their travelogue, alongside their films, forms a lasting and valuable cultural legacy—its worth increasing with time. A testament to this is the 2023 French translation by Jean‑Louis, which renewed international interest in their story.”
“Issa Omidvar has now left us, but his memory will forever remain alive. He was a great man who, on the first Sunday of each month, could be found at the Omidvar Brothers Museum in Tehran’s Sa’dabad Complex, answering questions from enthusiasts. To aspiring travelers he would say:
‘We did not become world travelers overnight; we spent years researching and journeying across Iran before embarking on a global quest.’
Although the Omidvar brothers are no longer among us, their legacy of pairing the pen with the step will keep them alive forever in the hearts of all who love travel.”chevron_left
.