Are pet-friendly accommodations a new market for operators?
Let's delve into strategies to attract the increasing number of travellers eager to bring their pets along on holiday
The hospitality industry has seen a significant shift in traveller preferences and needs in recent years. One emerging trend is the increasing demand for pet-friendly accommodations.
As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the desire for pet owners to travel with their furry companions.
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This article explores whether accommodation operators should consider focusing on this market and the potential benefits of doing so.
The growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations
According to recent statistics from the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA), many travellers are seeking pet-friendly options. Key findings from the CCIA report include:
- 52 percent of travellers consider their pets part of the family and prefer accommodations that allow pets.
- 47 percent of pet owners look for pet-friendly accommodations when planning their holidays.
- 32 percent of pet owners have taken their pets on holiday in the past year, indicating a robust market for pet-friendly accommodations.
These statistics highlight an apparent demand from a significant portion of the travel market. By catering to this group, hotels, motels and resorts can tap into a loyal and growing customer base, currently serviced largely by the short-term rental Airbnb market.
Virgin Australia’s new initiative
Adding to the momentum, Virgin Australia has announced plans to launch a new service allowing dogs to travel in the cabin. This initiative, set to begin towards the end of this year, underscores the increasing importance of pet-friendly travel options. As airlines adapt to accommodate pets, it makes sense for hotels to follow suit, ensuring a seamless travel experience for pet owners.
Benefits of offering pet-friendly accommodations
Increased occupancy rates: By offering pet-friendly rooms, hotels can attract a new segment of travellers, boosting occupancy rates and overall revenue.
Customer loyalty: Pet owners are likely to return to hotels that accommodate their pets, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.
Competitive advantage: Standing out in a crowded market is crucial. Pet-friendly accommodations can provide a unique selling point, differentiating them from competitors.
Positive online reviews: Happy pet owners often share their experiences online. Positive reviews can enhance an accommodation’s reputation and attract more guests.
Premium pricing: It has become the norm to charge a premium for the privilege of having your furry companion stay with you, which compensates for additional cleaning fees.
Longer stays: Travelling with pets means guests don’t have to worry about pet sitters or boarding kennels, allowing them to enjoy longer stays with their whole family.
Considerations for implementing pet-friendly policies
While the benefits are clear, implementing pet-friendly policies requires careful planning:
Dedicated pet-friendly rooms: Set aside specific rooms for pet owners to ensure guests without pets are not disturbed. This reduces the risk of upsetting guests with pet allergies.
Pet amenities: Provide pet beds, bowls, and welcome packs with treats to enhance the experience. Ovolo Hotels does it well with their “V.I.Pooch” package, which includes pet accessories and a bed in the room. Kimpton Hotels is excellent in this regard, welcoming all dogs, regardless of size or breed, with no extra charge. The whole property caters to them, offering in-room amenities, a special dog toy at check-in, and a list of dog-friendly cafes and services around the property.
Pet bathroom areas: Consider having an area dedicated for pet bathroom breaks, such as a patch of artificial grass on the balcony, providing puppy mats in the room, or even an outdoor grassy area.
Clear policies: Establish and communicate policies regarding behaviour and additional fees. You can also have your own policies on the types of pets, size, and weight.
Guidelines for pet owners: Have clear guidelines for pet owner expectations, detailing where animals are welcome throughout the property and where access is restricted.
Cleaning protocols: Ensure robust cleaning protocols are in place to maintain hygiene standards.
Practical tips for implementing pet-friendly services
Training staff: Ensure staff are trained to handle pets and their owners effectively. This includes understanding pet behaviour, managing any incidents, and providing excellent customer service to the furry guests.
Marketing strategies: Highlight your pet-friendly policies and amenities in marketing materials. Use social media, your website, and dedicated pet travel platforms to showcase your pet-friendly services.
Partnerships: Partner with local pet service providers such as groomers, pet-sitting services, and pet-friendly cafes. This adds value to your guests’ stay and enhances their overall experience.
Feedback and improvement: Regularly seek feedback from pet-owning guests to understand their needs better and continually improve your services.
The rise in pet ownership and the increasing desire for pet-friendly travel options present a lucrative opportunity for properties.
By embracing this trend, hotels can attract loyal customers, increase occupancy rates, and stand out in a competitive market. With careful planning and execution, offering pet-friendly accommodations can be a profitable and rewarding venture for any hotel or resort.
As the travel industry evolves, pet-friendly accommodations will likely become an expected standard rather than a unique offering. Early adopters in the hospitality industry will benefit from capturing this growing market segment and establishing themselves as leaders in pet-friendly hospitality.
Read the latest print edition of AccomNews HERE
Read more about Ovolo’s V.I.Pooch” package HERE
Sam Steel is a dynamic entrepreneur and the co-founder of Resly. His passion for management rights and commitment to innovation are reshaping the way we approach online travel and property management. Sam’s extensive background with global online travel agents brings a unique perspective to the industry and provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of travel and technology
