Travel Industry Focuses on the 6 Trillion Won 'Petconomy' Market

Increased Demand for Traveling with Pets Amid Rise in Small-Scale Trips Due to COVID-19

Vista Walkerhill's 'Oh My Pet' package. Photo by Walkerhill

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As the population living with companion animals reaches 15 million, 'petcations,' or vacations with pets, are becoming mainstream.

According to industry sources on the 31st, with the increase in pet owners and the growth of the pet market, the culture of sharing travel experiences with companion animals is expanding, and the accommodation industry is also establishing a pet economy system.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization's report titled "Analysis of Travel Trends with Companion Animals and Improvement Tasks" released last year, despite the travel psychological contraction caused by COVID-19, pet-only accommodations recorded an average occupancy rate of 80% this year and 95% on weekends. More than half of the responding companies reported increased sales after COVID-19.

According to the accommodation and activity platform Yanolja, the demand for accommodations visited with companion animals (based on transaction amount) surged by 118% in August last year compared to the same period the previous year. This accounts for 10% of Yanolja's total transactions, meaning that one out of ten travelers used pet-friendly accommodations during this summer's peak season. Consumers who highly value the concept of 'traveling together' were found to spend up to an average of 150,000 KRW per night.

Global accommodation sharing company Airbnb announced that from January 1 to February 25 last year, the search filter 'pet-friendly' ranked first among search conditions.

According to Yanolja's data, as of August, the number of registered pet-friendly accommodations was 980, showing a 9% increase in half a year. By region, Gangwon-do had the most with 232 locations, known to be popular among pet owners as a petcation hotspot. Luxury hotels and resorts are also joining the petcation trend.

Sono Calm Goyang introduced the 'A Very Dog-special Day' package, featuring pet-only exercise yards and cafe & restaurant facilities, allowing guests to enjoy and relax with their pets and spend special time together.

Walkerhill Hotel & Resort launched the 'Oh My Pet' package, which created a significant impact. When using the pet package, guests receive a one-night stay in the Vista Walkerhill pet concept room, along with toys, dedicated beds, tables, dishes, dryers, bathrobes, towels, and Vista Walkerhill pendants for their pets. A pet behavior correctionist takes a healing forest walk with the dog at Walkerhill and provides customized pet care services through play activities such as frisbee and nose work.

An official from the travel industry stated, "As demand for small-scale or solo travel increases due to COVID-19, companion animals are emerging as the best travel mates," adding, "With the pet economy market growing to a scale of 6 trillion KRW and petcation demand rapidly increasing, various services satisfying both pet owners and their pets are expected to be launched across the travel industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.