Executive Summary: Travel technology company Amadeus has sized the emerging pet travel segment at $2 billion to $3 billion, within a global pet industry that Bloomberg data projects at $500 billion within four years. The study, reported on 11 September 2026, found that 40% to 47% of first-time pet owners are also travelling with their pets for the first time.
Key Facts
- Company / Organization
- Amadeus
- Country
- Global / Asia-Pacific focus
- Industry
- Travel technology / pet services
- Category
- Market data, consumer trend
- Event
- Release of Amadeus “pawprint economy” findings
- Date
- Reported 2026-09-11
- Location
- Asia-Pacific markets cited: Singapore, Bangkok, Japan, Sydney
- Source
- TTG Asia; Travel And Tour World
What Happened
Amadeus published findings from a study it calls the “pawprint economy,” examining how pet ownership is influencing travel behaviour. Citing Bloomberg data, the study projects the global pet industry will reach $500 billion within four years, with pet travel accounting for $2 billion to $3 billion of that value. In Amadeus’s survey, 40% to 47% of respondents who owned a pet for the first time also said they were travelling with a pet for the first time.
Fred Barou, Senior Vice President for Customer Success Management, Asia Pacific at Amadeus, described the projected growth as significant and urged travel operators to treat pet travellers as a new customer segment rather than an afterthought.
Background
Amadeus is one of the world’s largest travel technology providers, serving airlines, hotels, travel agencies and destination organisations. Its research arm regularly publishes traveller-behavior studies. The “pawprint economy” framing is designed to move pet travel from the hospitality periphery into mainstream travel-industry planning.
Industry Context
Pet humanization has already reshaped pet food, veterinary care and insurance. Travel is the next frontier: airlines, hotels, rail operators and cruise lines are being asked to accommodate pets as family members. The challenge is fragmentation — policies vary by carrier, country and property, making end-to-end pet travel complicated. Amadeus argues that the industry needs consistent information and booking tools to capture the segment.
While pet friendly hotels receive the most attention, dog friendly restaurants and pet-friendly attractions are also expanding. Across pet market Southeast Asia, tourism boards are watching pet ownership by country data to forecast demand. Japan’s pet market Japan offers a preview of how mature markets build pet travel infrastructure beyond accommodation alone.
Market & Business Impact
A $2 billion to $3 billion pet travel segment is small relative to total pet spending, but it carries high margins and long-stay potential. Hotels that welcome pets can increase ancillary revenue through pet menus, grooming services and longer average stays. Destinations that simplify pet entry requirements and pet-friendly infrastructure can attract a loyal, high-spending traveller base.
Companies & Brands Involved
The study was produced by Amadeus. Examples of pet-friendly hospitality operators cited include Kimpton Hotels (Margot Sydney, Maa-Lai Bangkok), Hyatt Regency Hakone in Japan, Capella Singapore, Conrad Singapore Orchard and Amara Sanctuary Singapore.
Data & Evidence
- Projected global pet industry value: $500 billion within four years (Bloomberg data via Amadeus)
- Estimated pet travel segment: $2 billion to $3 billion
- Share of first-time pet owners also travelling with pets for the first time: 40% to 47%
- Markets highlighted: Singapore, Bangkok, Japan, Sydney
What This Means for the Pet Industry
Pet travel is becoming a measurable, addressable market segment. Companies that support it — from pet carriers and travel accessories to pet-friendly accommodation booking platforms — stand to benefit as the segment matures. For pet brands, travel represents a new use case and a new distribution context.
Key Takeaways
- Amadeus estimates pet travel as a $2 billion to $3 billion segment.
- The global pet industry is projected to reach $500 billion within four years.
- 40% to 47% of first-time pet owners are also first-time pet travellers.
- Asia-Pacific hotels are developing dedicated pet-friendly experiences beyond basic accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened?
Amadeus released findings from a study on the “pawprint economy” and the size of the pet travel market.
Which company is involved?
Amadeus, a travel technology company.
Where did it take place?
The study has a global scope with Asia-Pacific examples including Singapore, Bangkok, Japan and Sydney.
Why is this important for the pet industry?
It quantifies pet travel as a new revenue segment for hospitality, transport and pet product companies.
Which pet industry segment is affected?
Pet travel, pet-friendly hospitality and travel-related pet products and services.
Sources
- TTG Asia — “Love for furkids spurs pet tourism” (2026-09-11). https://www.ttgasia.com/?p=qanda/
- Travel And Tour World — “Singapore And Other Countries Lead Asia’s Pet Tourism Boom As Hotels Create New Travel Experiences For Fur Families” (2026-09-11). https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/na3h3i58ri3i/
