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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Carla Stewart
Pets Can Stay Inc.
(250) 413 - 3161
(250) 413 - 3110
info@petscanstay.com
www.petscanstay.com
Seattle, WA, July 29, 2005 — Pets Can Stay Inc. (PCS) and the
California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) announced today their
new relationship designed to encourage pet owners to travel to
California. Developing a number of resources aimed at travellers
with pets, the PCS/CH&LA collaboration will raise awareness of
California’s numerous attractions and lodging establishments that
cater to the pet travel market. “Our mission has always been to
represent and serve the unique interests of each segment of
California’s diverse lodging industry” comments Jim Abrams, CH&LA’s
President & CEO. “The tourism industry is witnessing an increased
trend in travelling with pets, and we feel that Pets Can Stay can
provide our member lodging establishments with the necessary tools
for attracting and servicing that growing market segment.” A key
component of the overall initiative will involve Pets Can Stay
working closely with the CH&LA to introduce Pets Can Stay’s
Accommodation Provider Certification Program into the California
lodging industry, and increase the credibility and visibility of
California properties that are serious about targeting travellers
with pets.
A 2001 survey by the American Animal Hospital Association publicized
that nearly 65 percent of Americans travel with their pet, up from
58 percent in 1995. In a similar vein, a 2003 report from the Travel
Industry Association of America reported that approximately 29.1
million Americans travelled long distance with their pets over the
previous three years. “We’re very excited to be working with the
California Hotel & Lodging Association” adds Carla Stewart, Pets Can
Stay’s General Manager. “As the largest state lodging association in
the country, they are truly leaders in the North American tourism
industry. Their attention to the pet travel market will not only
benefit their member lodging establishments and visitors to
California, but it will also have a positive impact across the North
American landscape by encouraging other lodging and tourism
organizations to do the same.”
Tied in with the growing number of North American travellers opting
to bring their pets with them on trips, the PCS-CH&LA initiative
will reach thousands of pet owners via newsletters, a new California
section in Pets Can Stay’s online regional travel guide, and Pets
Can Stay icons in select California travel publications.
Background
The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) is the largest
and most influential state lodging association in the United States
and is the only California lodging association affiliated with the
American Hotel & Lodging Association. CH&LA's history of providing
leadership, representation, and service to California's lodging
industry reaches back 111 years.
Pets Can Stay Inc. is the North American certification and marketing
body for accommodation providers that accept pets. Catering to the
pet-toting traveller, the Pets Can Stay program employs a system of
policy guidelines, amenities criteria, and onsite inspections, for
establishments wishing to enhance their guests’ overall traveling
experience. Properties certified under the Pets Can Stay banner
range from small bed & breakfasts to 5 Star luxury resorts. In
addition to property certification, Pets Can Stay’s Travel Services
division provides live, personal assistance and full travel booking
services to people wanting to travel with their four-legged
companions. This national service is provided free of charge to the
general public.
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