Hilton(US:HLT) Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-07-28 12:25Core Insights - The demand for pet-friendly services is increasing due to the growing number of pet owners and the expanding pet market in China [2][3] - Hilton Group is enhancing its pet-friendly services across nearly 160 hotels, offering complimentary pet food, toys, and other amenities [2][5][7] Pet Market Growth - According to the "2025 China Pet Industry White Paper," the number of pets in China is projected to reach 124.11 million by 2024, a 2.1% increase from 2023 [3] - The number of pet dogs is expected to grow by 1.6% to 52.58 million, while pet cats will increase by 2.5% to 71.53 million [3] Industry Trends - The concept of "pet-friendly spaces" is expanding, with various industries, including hospitality, FMCG, and commercial real estate, collaborating to enhance the pet economy [5] - Hilton's partnership with Didi Chuxing aims to integrate pet-friendly travel experiences, enhancing the overall travel experience for pet owners [5][15] Service Enhancements - Hilton's upgraded pet-friendly services include free pet food, toys, and other gifts, in addition to existing amenities [5][11] - Specific pet policies vary by hotel, with some locations allowing pets under certain weight limits and requiring deposits and cleaning fees [9][11] Search Trends and Consumer Behavior - There has been an 80% increase in searches for "pet-friendly hotels" during the summer, particularly among younger travelers [12] - The demand for pet-friendly accommodations is reflected in booking trends, with a 21% increase in orders for such hotels in 2024 compared to the previous year [13] Transportation and Travel Services - The pet travel service market is projected to exceed 32 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10% [20] - Various transportation sectors, including airlines and railways, are beginning to offer pet travel services, indicating a growing trend in accommodating pets during travel [17][20] Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the growth in pet travel services, challenges remain, including regulatory gaps and the need for standardized service protocols [20] - The increasing number of pet owners and evolving consumer preferences present opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand their offerings in the pet travel and accommodation sectors [20]