Under the banner Costa Blanca Pet Friendly, the Alicante Provincial Council Tourist Board has rolled out a comprehensive campaign designed to help visitors plan pet-friendly trips to the province. The initiative includes practical information, brochures, vinyl materials, and a broad array of services that welcome dogs and their owners alike during any stay in Alicante.
This is not a minor issue. Recent government data show a sharp rise in pet ownership across the country, with pets doubling during the pandemic and now numbering over 30 million nationwide. Among these, dogs and cats together account for about 15 million animals. In Spain, the province of Alicante stands out as having the largest dog population, underscoring the significance of pet-friendly tourism in the region.
To support travelers with four-legged companions, Costa Blanca Pet Friendly has launched a dedicated platform at www.costablancapetfriendly.com. The site consolidates information on services that accommodate pets, including places to stay, shops, grooming, training, and dog-focused leisure options in the surrounding area. It also points visitors to a list of veterinary clinics in the province via the veterinary college’s resources, in case a visit to a professional is needed during a trip. The guide explains transport options that permit animals and highlights routes specifically designed for journeys with dogs. In short, this initiative marks a turning point in how Alicante markets itself as a destination for animal lovers and positions pet-friendly travel as a national benchmark.
Credit is due to Don Carlos Mazón, the chairman of the Alicante Provincial Council and the Costa Blanca Tourism Board, for his involvement in this project and his genuine concern for animal welfare and the broader ecosystem. The campaign makes clear that a YES to pet-friendly tourism also signals a YES to sustainable travel, environmental stewardship, and the protection of animals.