BANGKOK — Traveling with pets, or pet-friendly travel, has become a growing trend that is attracting a lot of attention. A key driver of this growth in pet-friendly tourism is the behavior of travelers who increasingly want to take their pets with them on trips.
This trend is particularly evident among so-called “Pet-Pleasure Families”, which include owners of dogs, cats and other pets who seek activities and destinations that are comfortable and safe for both them and their furry companions.
It marks a significant shift and shows strong growth potential for the coming years.
Wannapha Kiatphongsa, Director of the Central Region of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that the latest market study indicates an annual growth rate of around 15-20 percent for this segment. This is particularly remarkable following the introduction of pet-friendly tourism initiatives.
One outstanding project, “Starry Night & Paw Prints”,” offers activities where pets and their owners can enjoy shared experiences. The initiative focuses on Thailand’s central provinces, including Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi, which support camping tourism. Activities include stargazing, eco-friendly cooking and toy making, as well as yoga classes for families with pets.
Initially, pet-friendly tourism projects will focus on the central region as it is ready to support this niche. These four provinces offer natural attractions and a network of operators equipped for pet-friendly campsites.
Over the past 2–3 years, the pet-friendly campsite business has grown rapidly, especially in Phetchaburi, which is experiencing rapid growth and is poised to expand to other regions, including Northern and Eastern Thailand.
Travelers with pets usually spend about 20 percent more than normal tourists. Spending is higher due to pet-specific services such as pet-friendly accommodation, participation in special activities and pet care during the trip.
For example, participants in the “Starry Night & Paw Prints” program spent an average of 4,000 baht per person on overnight trips. When they traveled with pets, this amount increased by about 20 percent due to the need for pet-friendly accommodation and services.
The central region of Thailand offers great potential for pet-friendly tourism. Compared to other regions in the country, it ranks first in the number of pet-friendly restaurants and cafés and third in pet-friendly accommodation.
This is in line with the global pet products market, which is expected to reach 217.65 billion dollars (approximately 6.9 trillion baht) by 2026, with continued growth expected.
The TAT Central Region Director emphasized that “Pet-Pleasure Families” are becoming a high-potential market segment, leading to an expansion of pet-friendly services and activities throughout Thailand. Regions with ecotourism and natural attractions are particularly well suited to meet this demand.
Growth is not limited to accommodation, but also includes a wider range of activities such as outdoor experiences for pets, charity events with pets and the development of pet-friendly restaurants.
“The pet-friendly tourism market in Thailand is growing rapidly, both in terms of accommodation and activities tailored to travelers with pets. The future of this market is bright, driven by the increasing demand from pet lovers and entrepreneurs who are taking advantage of the opportunities in this niche.”
Supporting pet-friendly tourism not only meets the wishes of travelers, but also promotes ecotourism and environmental sustainability.
It is expected that pet-friendly tourism projects will spread to other regions and that the associated services will be further expanded. Tour operators are increasingly willing to offer camping experiences and family-friendly activities that incorporate pets, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable travel experience for all.
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