The so-called 'it economy'—spending tied to pets—is forming a new shape for culture and tourism consumption, Huanqiu reported on the 21st, as a growing pet population expands into broad industrial demand.

The 'it economy' is a coined term for spending on non-human companions—pets. Beyond food and supplies, the spending field is widening fast into medical care, grooming, insurance, and even pet-friendly travel, lodging and cafés.

As demand for travel and leisure with pets grows, tourist sites and the lodging industry are racing to add pet-friendly facilities and services. With single-person households and a desire for emotional connection converging, the market keeps expanding.

Still, as the market grows fast, some note that quality and safety standards and consumer protections must be built up in step, with caution against overheated marketing and impulse buying.

This paper reports shifts in consumer trends factually. The growth of the pet economy is a trend seen in common across Korea and many countries.