The agency said it has arranged dozens of similar domestic tours by plane since 2021, with tickets usually sold out.
Since the success of the Thailand trip, other countries have shown an interest in welcoming Chinese tourists and their pets, Xia said.
“The South Korean Consulate is keen for us to travel to South Korea with our pets and experience their local culture,” he said.
“They are going to help us resolve issues for our trip, including airport procedures, inspections, quarantine, hotel rooms, and even coordinating with tourist attractions.”
WHY IS THE SECTOR BOOMING?
Xia said he was inspired to venture into the pet tour business after bringing his two beloved dogs on adventures around China.
Like Xia, many pet owners share the same sentiments about travelling with their pets.
“I treat my pet like my child, so when I travel with it, I feel like the whole family is going on a trip together. It’s so much fun,” said Sui Shuyun, who has gone on such tours with her dog.
Sahiba Puri, a senior consultant at analytics firm Euromonitor International, said a fundamental factor driving pet spending is the “overarching trend of pet humanisation”.
“People think of their pets like their babies and want to offer the best for them. They provide (their pets) with high quality meals and take them on travel adventures because they want to share experiences with their pets,” she told CNA’s East Asia Tonight programme.
“Backed by a willingness to spend, we are seeing not just a lifestyle shift, but also a surge in the pet economy.”
