From the Boston Globe, Jan. 18, 2018
In 2018 the pet industry was a 72.06 billion dollar industry, in 2019 it is estimated so far at 75.38 billion. Well, naturally, the travel business wants a piece of the pie. Do you know how many people travel with pets?
People and their pets
If you do much traveling then you undoubtedly have seen a pet in the lobby of your hotel or on the lap of the person in the seat in front of you on the plane. Maybe you are one of those people that travel with pets.
A recent survey of more than 1,100 travelers conducted by TripAdvisor found that 53 percent of people travel with pets, and 52 percent will only stay at pet-friendly properties.
Fancy-schmancy hotel service
They’re being greeted, at the elegant Sherry-Netherland Hotel on Fifth Avenue in New York, with neatly packaged gift boxes of treats even nicer than their owners get, and have personal walkers on call.
Go ahead, take a cruise
it’s no secret that I take my dogs with me everywhere I go. I’ve often thought about going on a cruise, but alas, I’ve never found a cruise ship that would allow dogs on board. Now the Queen Mary 2 not only allows them on board, but some also say they are treated better than their humans.
They enjoy, aboard the Queen Mary 2, a refurbished kennel with a water view and custom art, Barbour accessories, fresh-baked biscuits, stainless-steel water bowls, and embroidered fleeces to protect them from the ocean chill.
Going to a resort for vacation?
They’re lavished, at the Topnotch Resort in Stowe, with 25-minute in-room spa treatments and tennis court time for playing fetch.
And they’re offered, at the boutique inns of the Noble House chain, not only dogs, but also cat room-service menus, pet beds, and designated concierges.
Come and sit …. and stay, and roll over
Lorraine Sileo, senior vice president for research at the travel market research firm Phocuswright — can I have that job? — says that as a society, “Our pets have become part of our lives. Why would you want to exclude that population from being potential guests?”
I agree wholeheartedly, Lorraine!
