A dog-friendly travel specialist has launched in the UK and claims to be the first dedicated to “fine†accommodation.
Chien Bleu claims it has road tested all of its hotels with a “pooch in tow†to test them against a strict set of criteria.
Only those which get the “Paw of Approval†are featured.
The company was formed by Erin Boyd, the owner of a yellow labrador, Blue.
After 18 months of research, she launched Chien Blue and its website www.chienbleutravel.com will be officially launched next month.
“I intend to establish Chien Bleu as the world’s authoritative source for people who are looking for a brilliant place to stay that welcomes dogs with the same hospitality they do their guests,†said Boyd.
“Pet travel is forecast to grow by an estimated 6% year on year for the next five years, with dogs representing almost 80% of all holidaying pets in the UK.
“Euromonitor International explicitly noted in its most recent outlook for UK travel that demand is growing for pet-friendly holiday packages and facilities so we believe that we are entering the market place at a good time.â€
For 2011 the company is concentrating on hotels in the UK, with 30 hotels being picked out as the Chien Bleu favourites.
by Bev Fearis
