Mars Partners with Tripadvisor to Revolutionize Pet Travel Experiences
Traveling with pets has always presented unique challenges for pet owners, often leading to altered plans and limited options. Recognizing this need, Mars Inc. has partnered with Tripadvisor to create a new Pet Travel Hub, aiming to transform the pet travel experience for millions of pet parents. This initiative is set to launch in the U.S. with plans for global expansion, promising a future where traveling with pets is seamless and enjoyable.
Addressing Key Pain Points in Pet Travel
A significant portion of pet owners, 33%, have altered their travel plans due to the difficulties associated with traveling with pets. Despite 73% of Tripadvisor’s U.S. users owning pets, less than 1% of U.S. restaurants listed on the platform are pet-friendly. This stark contrast highlights the need for more businesses to accommodate pets and their owners.
The Pet Travel Hub aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive resource for pet-friendly travel options. This digital platform will connect pet parents with pet-friendly communities and encourage businesses to become more accommodating to pets, showcasing the cultural, well-being, and financial benefits of doing so.
Enhancing the Pet Travel Experience
The collaboration between Mars and Tripadvisor aligns with Mars Petcare’s broader purpose of creating A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS and the CESAR brand’s mission to make the world a more dog-friendly place. Natalia Ball, global chief growth officer of Mars Pet Nutrition, emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming a digitally enabled, pet parent-centric organization. “This partnership cements our commitment to supporting pet parent communities, using our unmatched expertise, knowledge, and relationship with over 400 million pets and their pet parents who purchase our products every year,” she stated.
Features of the Pet Travel Hub
The Pet Travel Hub will be accessible online and through Tripadvisor’s mobile app, offering a one-stop resource for pet-friendly travel. Key features include:
- City Guides: Developed in partnership with CESAR, these guides will feature pet-friendly travel tips and attractions in U.S. cities such as Miami, Austin, Nashville, Phoenix, and Palm Springs, with plans for global expansion.
- AI Trip Builder: An enhanced AI tool will allow users to create personalized pet-friendly travel itineraries in minutes, guided by traveler tips and reviews.
- Business Hub: This section will help businesses understand the benefits of being pet-friendly, offering guidance on how to become pet-friendly on Tripadvisor, accommodate pets, and effectively communicate these changes to consumers.
- Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards: A new award category for Pet-Friendly Hotels will highlight top pet-friendly accommodations worldwide. Hotel Fioreze Quero Quero in Brazil has been named the world’s most pet-friendly, with Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale in Florida taking the U.S. title.
Supporting Pet-Friendly Businesses
Christine Maguire, global vice president of Sales & Partnerships at Tripadvisor, noted, “We know our travelers love their pets and are looking for hotel and restaurant recommendations to make sure they can enjoy every part of their adventure together. Through this partnership, we’re streamlining the journey for those who want to bring their pet along, helping them create lifelong memories – while encouraging and supporting the growth of pet-friendly businesses.”
The initiative underscores the growing trend of pet owners seeking more inclusive travel experiences and the willingness of businesses to adapt to meet this demand. By facilitating connections between pet owners and pet-friendly businesses, Mars and Tripadvisor are paving the way for a more inclusive travel industry.
Mars Petcare’s Commitment to Pet Well-being
Mars Petcare, the world’s leading pet food company according to Petfood Industry’s Top Companies, is known for its nearly 50 pet food brands, including five billion-dollar brands. The company also owns the BluePearl chain of emergency and specialty veterinary care clinics, Banfield and VCA animal hospitals, further highlighting its extensive involvement in the pet care industry.
The partnership with Tripadvisor is a natural extension of Mars Petcare’s mission to support pet well-being and enhance the lives of pets and their owners. By leveraging digital technology and the extensive reach of Tripadvisor’s platform, the Pet Travel Hub is set to become an invaluable resource for pet parents and a catalyst for more pet-friendly business practices.
Looking Ahead
As the Pet Travel Hub prepares to launch, the anticipation among pet owners and businesses alike is palpable. The collaboration between Mars and Tripadvisor marks a significant step forward in making travel more inclusive and enjoyable for pets and their owners. With the potential for global expansion, the initiative promises to reshape the pet travel landscape, making it easier for pet parents to embark on adventures with their furry companions.
In conclusion, the Mars and Tripadvisor partnership is poised to revolutionize the way we travel with pets, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. The Pet Travel Hub will not only enhance the travel experience for pets and their owners but also encourage businesses to embrace the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations and services. As the initiative unfolds, it will undoubtedly contribute to a more pet-inclusive world, fulfilling Mars Petcare’s vision of creating A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
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