When it comes to going on holiday, lots of families like to include their pet. Gary Swarbrooke, Director of Policy and Quality at Quality in Tourism, the assessment service for VisitEngland, talks about how to accommodate guests who want to take along their dog.
8 million dogs – and some want to take a holiday with their owners!
Being able to take your dog on holiday is increasingly becoming a factor that many UK tourists consider. The UK dog population is around 8 million and approximately 23% of UK households own at least one dog. That is a lot of four legged friends! People are very attached to their pets and hate to be apart – so why leave poor little Rover at home!
At Quality in Tourism, they have a Welcome Pets scheme, which embraces the UK’s love for dogs (and cats and birds), and which will help guests to book a quality pet friendly holiday.
Rise in dog-friendly holidays
Dog-friendly holidays have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to the rise in the ‘staycation’. With the tough economic climate, the recession has upped the popularity of the ‘British’ holiday.
A ‘staycation’ allows your clients to enjoy a holiday without the stresses associated with travelling abroad – no airports and missing passports, an easy get away. Many tourists who are embracing this type of holiday are enjoying being able to take the whole family with them, including the dog.
The Welcome pets scheme
Thanks to Quality in Tourism, the Welcome Pets scheme has made it very easy to travel with dogs. All Welcome Pets assessed accommodation caters for dogs; this means less hassle for guests as the essentials are already there and waiting. They can expect to find the following (and much more) in a Welcome Pets assessed accommodation:
- A water bowl and food bowl available
- Access to refrigeration facilities
- Toys, chews and treats
- Scoop and disposal bags
- Pre bought pet food
- Storage for animal transportation crates
When guests are staying in an establishment, whether it is with their dog or not, quality is an absolute must. With the Welcome Pets scheme, guests can be confident that their hotel/B & B/ Self Catering property provides the right equipment and facilities for their pet.
Next time, your clients won’t have to leave their dog behind! Allowing them to enjoy a quality holiday with the whole family by taking their four-legged friend with them.
Quality in Tourism (QiT) is the official assessment service provided for VisitEngland. The organisation carries out assessments and handles the administration of the national quality assessment schemes on behalf of VisitEngland.
For more information on Welcome Pets click here