When pet owners are planning a holiday there is always one difficult additional box that needs to be ticked. Do we put them in kennels while we’re away – if no family members or friends can temporarily take charge – or do we look for a pet-friendly destination and accommodation?
Fortunately, in recent years an increasing number of hotels and holiday establishments in Europe have been helping to make that decision less fraught. And one of the most recent is the Magic Costa Blanca hotel group in Benidorm.
Declaring they are committed to animal lovers so they can travel and enjoy spending holidays with their pets, and aware of the importance of diversifying their offer when travel restrictions are eased, the group has launched a new “pet-friendly” policy for guests.
Dogs and cats are permitted to stay in nine of their accommodation complexes: Magic Robin Hood, Magic Rock Gardens, Magic Tropical Splash, Villa Venecia Hotel Boutique Gourmet, Villa del Mar, Magic Villa Benidorm and Magic Cristal Park, plus Magic Atrium Plaza and Atrium Beach apartments.
The pet’s lodging is free for clients booking a minimum of seven nights, and €12 a day for those who cannot stay the whole week. All pets must be older than four months, and have a health card with all documentation in order (including cough vaccine), microchip and anti-parasites collar. Dogs from breeds considered dangerous are required to wear a muzzle.
The hotel group is considered a pioneer in “ultra all inclusive” holidays, offering guests a range of services and activities including excursions, access to spas, and unlimited food and drink.
To ensure “good coexistence” between the animals and other visitors, Magic Costa Blanca offers packs for dogs and cats that include snacks and special beds, and has introduced regulations such as weight limits in some establishments, as well as an obligation not to leave the animal alone in the room and to prevent its access to areas such as restaurants.
The main objective of this new service, according to Magic Costa Blanca executive vice president Javier García, is to respond to growing demand among travellers. “Holidays should be enjoyed with all your loved ones. Dogs and cats are one more member of the family, and we will continue to bear them in mind, adapting our accommodation options and guaranteeing the coexistence and comfort of all our guests.”
Figures compiled by Visit Benidorm show that approximately 25 per cent of Spanish households have a dog, and 65 per cent of them travel at least once a year with their family. This represents nearly seven million travellers with pets, according to the Spanish platform Dog Vivant.
Lately, at least until last year, that number has also been significantly swelled by British and other international visitors travelling to such popular holiday resorts as the Costa Blanca. Magic Costa Blanca is just one of a dozen new “pet-friendly” hotels launched in the Valencia region.
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