Travelling with pets? Now hotels are all set to roll out the red carpet to welcome your furry close friends! Yes, the pandemic has seen a shift that is clearly pet-friendly for travellers who really like their furry companions and be concerned about leaving them behind. One can’t support but recall the well-known words of avid traveller and author Elizabeth Gilbert, in her very best promoting book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’: “I feel about travel the way a happy new mother feels about her …..newborn baby….” Pet lovers across the world share related sentiments about their furry close friends.
With the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations ramping up, the traditional wisdom has been that men and women are protected to meet and hold discussions and travel, if needed. However, travelling with pets has also come to be a element of the new normal.
Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager – South Asia at Booking.com feels that Indian travellers now really feel empowered to act on their travel ambitions as travel restrictions are steadily easing out coupled with prosperous vaccine roll outs.
In her view, “Over the past year, the pandemic has disrupted people’s schedules and has kept many restricted to the confines of their homes. Pet owners, in particular, have had the chance to spend more time with their pets and strengthen their bonds, while the last year also saw many people joining the ‘pet parents club’. ”
In the hospitality segment, pet adoptions and pet-friendly policies boomed through the pandemic lockdown.
Hyatt Hotels leads the way for ‘pet’ causes
Focusing on security 1st and well-being, Hyatt Hotels leads the way forward by reimagining a pet-friendly hotel journey for travellers who are enthusiastic about the result in. Notable methods consist of collaborating with regional pet companies to give pampering and perks to pet travellers.
Grand Hyatt Goa has been actively supporting Welfare for Animals, a regional NGO that rescues stray street animals in North Goa. Guests, who really like animals, are invited to devote a day volunteering to support injured and stray animals beneath the care of the NGO. Another alternative for guests is to think about sponsoring an animal for a year so as to assure their extended-term care. The collaboration dates back to 2018 and is continuing by way of 2021.
Andaz Delhi is working with Touch and Treat Animal Trust to nurture and make a neighborhood that respects and values stray animals. In truth, guests are invited to volunteer to support with rescue missions or feed strays.
How hotels are rolling out the red carpet for pets
From welcome amenities such as puppy pads, meals bowls to delectable meals treats on unique request, ibis, a major international hospitality brand, has decided to roll out one of a kind and revolutionary choices for pet parents in need to have of a travel getaway. Their presents consist of a pet-friendly, in-area menu with dishes that appeal to pets.
According to Sylvain Laroche, Director of Operations – ibis & ibis Styles India, “COVID-19 travel restrictions led us to channel our wanderlust into local tours, attractions and of course, staycations. But for pet owners, it can be challenging to leave their furry friends alone at home, even for just one day. At ibis, a smart economy hospitality brand, we aim to provide our guests a memorable experience. ”
So, are most hotels tapping into this ‘pet-friendly’ chance?
Sunil Kumar, General Manager at The Westin Hotel, Anjuna, informs TheSpuzz Online, “We are not a pet-friendly hotel.”
It would be fair to say that not all hotels are welcoming pets to join travellers.
Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, tells TheSpuzz Online, “A few of our resort hotels at drive through destinations have received requests for pets. We at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are working with franchise partners to cater to this new growing demand under the guidelines of the pet policy depending on the local laws.”
He additional adds, “Having said that, a pet security amount may be charged if the hotel allows a pet, other than service animals, to stay in the guest room. We as a brand always value our customers and welcome our guests and their pets to provide safe and memorable experiences.”
With the onset of the pandemic becoming a element of life, travelling with pets is shaping up as a leisurely knowledge.
Guests need to share details prior to arrival
Supriya Malhotra, Area General Manager – Chennai, The Ascott Limited, recommends that details on pets ought to be shared prior to arrival.
“Pets are welcome at our properties in India. Whether it’s a short staycation or an extended trip, guests are welcome to check-in with their pet for an additional fee. A daily maintenance charge along with a refundable security deposit will be collected during check-in. Deposit amount will vary depending on the duration of stay and the apartment type chosen,” Supriya Malhotra informs TheSpuzz Online.
Not just at leisure hotels, pets are getting welcomed at coffee shops and restaurants. as they gear up to embrace this shift in customer preferences.
In Visakhapatnam, Brew and Bistro, Glutton’s Garage and Gypsy Resto Cafe extend a warm welcome to furry companions.
Several Goa’s hotels and restaurants are pet-friendly as well such as Gunpowder Goa, Babazin’s shack, amongst other people.
As Sylvain Laroche aptly sums up, “Our pet friendly hotels will offer a space that can be enjoyed both by guests and their pets. To make these stays enjoyable for the furry members of the family, a number of welcome amenities are made available. With a host of on-demand services including on-call pet assistance, owners of pets can opt for staycations and weekend getaways with their family.”
As the nation gradually charts its journey towards recovery from the pandemic, India’s hospitality segment is faced with a one of a kind and possible organization chance to transition to refreshed pet-friendly policies, and a will to come across income streams and elevated bookings ahead of the festive months.
Travel Bookings Now Come with Pet Friendly Filter
Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager – South Asia at Booking.com informs TheSpuzz Online, “We have witnessed a demand for pet-friendly accommodations among Indian travellers in the recent months. In order to meet this demand and make it easier for parents to plan their travel, Booking.com has now introduced a ‘Pet Friendly’ filter.”
With this new feature, men and women with pets can quickly view and choose accommodations that are welcoming to pets. These choices variety from hotels, villas, apartments, guest homes and more. This alternative is also obtainable on Booking.com’s app.
As we wrap up this discussion on travelling with pets, let’s welcome the new disruption in hospitality and travel segments, and yes, it is unofficially called….the pet parents club!