The Pawprint Economy: How Pets are Reshaping the Global Travel Industry in 2026

Amadeus, in partnership with the agency Globetrender, has released its Travel Trends 2026 report, identifying the Pawprint Economy as a primary driver for the industry’s evolution. This trend marks a significant paradigm shift, moving away from treating pets as mere accessories and toward recognizing them as individual travelers whose comfort and dignity require serious attention from carriers and hoteliers alike.

Economic Potential and Global Statistics

The rapid expansion of the pet goods and services sector is supported by global data. Bloomberg projects that the global pet industry will reach a valuation of $500 billion by 2030, a 45% increase. Research from Mars indicates that 56% of the global population now owns pets, with 47% of those being first-time owners. Furthermore, a Shape Insight survey revealed that 27% of owners in the UK and USA who took their animals on a primary vacation in 2025 were doing so for the first time.

Despite this growth, travelers still face significant hurdles. Key barriers include the fear that travel is too stressful for the animal (42%), a lack of trust in hotel claims regarding pet-readiness (21%), and restrictive rules at specific holiday locations (20%).

Infrastructure and Transport Milestones

2026 is expected to see the widespread implementation of projects designed to simplify mobility for pet owners:

Rail Transport: China Railway Express successfully tested pet transportation on the Beijing–Shanghai route, laying the groundwork for a mass-market rollout of the service.

Aviation: Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has authorized medium and large-breed dogs to stay directly in the aircraft cabin. Meanwhile, the return of pet passports in the UK has eliminated the need for expensive, one-time health certificates.

Long-Haul Flights: In 2026, the company SkyePets plans to launch trans-Pacific flights between Australia and the USA, where animals will be permitted to fly in the cabin alongside their owners.

Innovation in Service and Technology

The hospitality and tech sectors are rapidly adapting to this new consumer segment:

Loyalty Programs: The AKA Hotels chain has launched the Canine Club, offering guests with dogs welcome kits featuring designer bowls and specialized bedding, alongside curated guides for local walking spots.

Stress Reduction: At Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the Dog Relais hotel has opened, offering aromatherapy and heated floors to reduce separation anxiety for pets.

Smart Devices: The Petkit Yumshare Daily Feast feeder uses AI to recognize specific pets and analyze their eating habits. Similarly, PetPace collars now provide 24/7 access to veterinary telemedicine.

Source: amadeus.com