It's International Dog Day (26 August) and according to new data from our UK Resident Holiday Sentiment Tracker, Scotland is emerging as one of the top destinations for UK pet-lovers this autumn and winter.
Recent findings revealed that one in ten visitors planning a Scottish getaway later this year intend to bring their pets along. For Scotland-based visitors, the trend is even more pronounced, with one in seven planning to include their furry companions on their domestic overnight trips.
The research also indicates that families are more likely to travel with pets and tend to take longer trips, highlighting the growing popularity of pet-friendly tourism in Scotland.
Dog ownership has been steadily rising for over a decade, with an estimated 31% of UK adults now owning a dog. It's estimated that approximately £350 million is spent in Scotland’s visitor economy from overnight visitors that bring their dog.
The recent findings provide a welcome boost to Scotland’s pet-friendly tourism businesses, especially as the traditionally busier summer period winds down.
Earlier this year, our Scotland Visitor Survey 2023 found that last year, 11% of visitors holidayed in the country with a pet, and 89% were repeat visitors.
Domestic tourism remains a vital part of Scotland’s visitor economy, accounting for 106 million visits in 2023 and generating £7 billion in visitor spend.
However, the cost of living continues to pose challenges, with some UK visitors spending less, taking fewer nights away, and seeking cost-effective activities due to fuel costs.
