Published in the Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites, this study by Anetta Müller, R. Pálinkás, Eva Baba Bacsné, and colleagues investigates how Hungarian dog owners choose travel destinations and what types of leisure activities they prioritize when traveling with their dogs.
The authors surveyed a quota sample of Hungarian dog owners using an online self-reported questionnaire and applied an advanced analytical strategy that included robust factor analysis using Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (RDWLS) extraction. They then generated clusters of factor scores to identify groups of dog owners with similar leisure and travel preferences.
The analysis revealed distinct clusters of dog owners, each characterized by unique patterns of recreational behavior. These clusters showed strong associations between leisure preferences—such as outdoor activities, relaxation-focused travel, adventure tourism, or social/leisure events—and the types of destinations owners preferred when traveling with their dogs.
A key finding is the growing demand for dog-friendly accommodations, services, and activities. The study highlights that many dog owners now expect personalized tourism experiences that integrate their dogs into every aspect of travel. This includes access to parks, nature areas, pet-friendly hotels, cafés, guided activities, and safe recreational spaces.
The authors suggest that destinations aiming to attract this demographic must adopt inclusive practices that address both human and canine needs. Doing so not only enhances visitor satisfaction but also opens new opportunities for local tourism economies.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that dog owners constitute a diverse group with differentiated travel motivations, and that understanding these patterns is essential for designing effective pet-inclusive tourism strategies.
Source: Müller, A., Pálinkás, R., Baba Bacsné, E., et al. (2024). How Dog Owners’ Leisure Patterns Inform Destination Preferences: Insights from Hungary. Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites. Published September 30, 2024. Research conducted within interdisciplinary programs in tourism sociology, environmental studies, and consumer behavior.
