BCBusiness

BCBUSINESS.CA catering to the pet-friendly travel market—lists accommodation for most major North American cities and is planning to branch into other countries in 2016. In addition to more than 100 PCS-certi†ed hotels, the website lists hotels that are pet-friendly but not certi†ed, including Opus Vancouver. Although Opus doesn't charge room fees for pets, in February the hotel began o"er- ing an optional Pampered Pooch package, which starts at $589 and includes treats for human (welcome beverage, in-room iPad, choice of suites) and canine guests (designer bandana, massage and photo session) and a Bow Wow Butler service (dog walking, grooming, birthday cakes). "We try to really enhance the owners' experience and of course the pet by making them feel included," says Opus general manager Nicholas Gandossi. Ultimately, the decision by a hotel to be pet-friendly— certi†ed or other- wise—is all about aligning with the core values of their brand. "We're a lifestyle brand, and because we cater to a lot of people that typically travel more than †ve-plus nights, which would include people with pets, we want this to feel more like a residence," says Ken Boyd, director of sales and marketing at Westin's Element Vancouver Metrotown. Element doesn't charge extra fees for pets and provides pet bowls, treats and a Heavenly dog bed, modelled after the signature Westin Heavenly bed. "It's about health and well- ness and keeping whole and bal- anced while away from home." PrimAry reAsons for trAvelling with Pets All Aboard! N u m e r o l o g y by Melissa Edwards That's how many cruise passengers will pass through Victoria over the summer—about 50 per cent more than the population of the capital region. This August alone, 42 ships carrying more than 106,000 people will stop at the Ogden Point harbour, but as it lacks the infrastructure for over- night port stays, Victoria will glean relatively few dollars from those tourists compared to Vancouver and its 800,000- plus cruise visitors. Bruce Carter, CEO of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, says his organization is hoping to draw the emerging micro-ship cruise industry to Victoria; often called "pocket cruises," these ships carry fewer than 100 people and could dock for long stays in the city's inner harbour. In the meantime, says Carter, Victoria will continue to woo those quick-visit cruisers from the big ships, in a bid to "convert a six-hour cruise passenger to a future visitor." OH MY DOG Pups get to relax on Westin Element's Heavenly dog bed AUGUST 2015 BCBusiness 13 Estimated number of rVs available to rent in Whitehorse, Calgary and Vancouver–Western Canada's top gateways for international visitors. Number of riders on the new Sea to Sky Gondola during its first year of operation. Length, in kilometres, of "the Sasquatch"–the longest zipline in North America– which was opened last month by Whistler's Ziptrek Ecotours. 513,000 2,500 348,000 2.13 348,000 ♥ 45% Companionship 19% Pet gets stressed out when owner is away 17% More affordable than a kennel or pet sitter ?? ?? SOUrCE: 2013 TrIPAdVISOr SUrVEy Length, in kilometres, of "the Sasquatch"–the longest zipline in North America– which was opened last Vancouver–Western Canada's top gateways for international the signature Westin Heavenly bed. "It's about health and well- ness and keeping whole and bal- anced while away from home." That's how many cruise passengers will pass through Victoria over the summer—about 50 per cent more than the population of the capital region. This August alone, 42 ships carrying more than 106,000 people will stop at the Ogden Point harbour, but as it lacks the infrastructure for over- people will stop at the Ogden Point harbour, but as it lacks the infrastructure for over- people will stop at the Ogden Point harbour, but as it lacks the infrastructure for over More affordable than a kennel or pet sitter SOUrCE: 2013 TrIPAdVISOr SUrVEy

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