Amadeus forecasts a pet-first shift in global tourism for 2026

More pets are joining their owners on vacation, sparking innovation and business opportunities. The Amadeus Travel Trends 2026 report lists the “Pawprint Economy” as the first trend among areas that promise to shape the travel industry next year.

The multinational firm, which provides software for the global travel and tourism industry, forecasts that the pet-friendly travel trend will continue in 2026, as key destinations have recently launched regulations and services, the report says.  

Regulations lend a helping hand

The Amadeus research highlights China’s national Railway Express, which piloted pet-friendly services on its Beijing-Shanghai route, paving the way for a wider rollout. In April, pets were allowed on high-speed trains for the first time in the country’s rail system. 

In Italy, a new rule by the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has allowed medium- and large-sized dogs in the passenger cabin since May.

Meanwhile, in the UK, pet passports are making a comeback, replacing the “expensive single-use animal health certificate,” Amadeus says. These passports were used before Brexit but were discontinued after the UK left the European Union.

Private air charters have also seen growth in pet flights, including BarkAir, K9 and RetrievAir. In 2026, SkyePets will launch long-haul transpacific in-cabin pet flights between Australia and the US.

Citing studies from market research company Shape Insights, the Amadeus report noted that in the UK and the US, 27% of parents who took their pets on their major holidays in 2025 did so for the first time. The survey was conducted between October and November among 2,896 travelers.

Barriers

Despite the rise of pet-friendly services, Amadeus found that the biggest barrier to pet travel remains the experience, with 42% of respondents saying traveling would have been too stressful for their pet.

This concern is followed by not believing any accommodation or destination is truly pet-friendly (21%) and owners’ concerns about restrictions on where pets can go at vacation destinations (20%).

“The Pawprint Economy won’t only be about elevating animals’ travel experiences; some of the most interesting innovations also address the emotional strain felt by both pets and owners when they’re apart,” reads the report.

To address this issue, owners are turning to technological innovations that help pets cope more comfortably in their absence. Examples highlighted in the report include AI feeders that can recognize individual pets, track abnormal eating habits, automatically handle leftovers to prevent spoilage, and self-sterilize using ultraviolet (UV) light.

AI collars are also gaining traction. These devices measure pets’ biometrics, provide 24/7 global access to veterinary telehealth and enable owners to monitor and respond to health issues as they arise, all remotely.

“For travelers, this means greater ease in taking pets along or leaving them in comfort; for the industry, it signals a new customer segment to design for, with loyalty, booking and cabin experiences increasingly putting our most trusted companions up front in the pilot’s seat,” Amadeus adds.

Overall travel trends

Beyond trends involving pets and travel, Amadeus found that travelers are leaning toward AI-powered tools for travel planning, seeking convenience, personalized recommendations and new destinations.

The demand for faster travel is also rising, encompassing long-haul nonstop flights as well as biometric gateways that eliminate the need for check-in desks and passport-control gates.

Another ongoing trend is pop culture, where popular shows drive tourist arrivals as tourism organizations capitalize on fan culture and themed experiences. Destinations featured in well-known films and shows have also seen rising tourist numbers and higher average daily rates.

Lastly, the report highlights that personalized bookings are becoming more popular as more travelers are willing to pay extra for specific room attributes beyond the standard daily rate. This includes printing services for business travelers and Xbox or premium TV channels for Gen Z travelers.