The worldās leading travel technology provider which operates the largest global distribution system (GDS) in the travel industry, connecting airlines, hotels, and travel agencies across the world, has recently released their travel trends for 2026, and their number one trend is a true game-changer.
They call it the Pawprint Economy.
The Pawprint Economy is the idea that pets arenāt an afterthought, but a key part of the travel experience and an economic opportunity. In 2026, pets are gaining freedom of movement rights (which I already mentioned in previous posts), and they are taking part in the travel planning, tech, legislation, hospitality design, and beyond.
This is the first time I’m reading from a major tourism provider that pets are officially no longer seen as accessories in travel but as companions whose wellbeing and experience matter.
The market has been pushing that change for decades.
Now it’s not just a few of us that genuinely want this.
This isnāt a niche shift. Itās a reframe of how the tourism world thinks about the billions of people who travel with animals they love.
This shift is now supported by new data showing how deeply travel decisions are shaped by pet related needs.
But the data tells us that there are big challenges to solve:
ā”ļø 42% of pet owners worry about travel being too stressful for their pets
ā”ļø 21% feel that companies arenāt STILL truly pet friendly
ā”ļø 20% are concerned about restrictions at their vacation destinations
But more than just barriers, this trend is signaling huge demand and innovation potential. Weāre already seeing pilots like pet friendly high-speed train routes in China and updated airline and rail travel rules in Europe that include pets.
Travellers are increasingly refusing to leave their pets behind, with nearly one-third taking their pet on a main holiday for the first time in 2025. And that is huge news for companies in many sectors that will benefit from.
āļøš¾ For travel brands, hospitality leaders and experience designers, this is more than a trend. Itās a strategic invitation to rethink how pet inclusive are your services, policies, and even your product roadmaps with pets and their owners at the heart.
Pets aren’t “extra”.
Theyāre the reason many trips happen.
Read the full report š https://lnkd.in/di5Fqndf
Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/angels-bosch
