Fifth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

For the first time in human history, in 2018 persons aged sixty-five years and older out-numbered children who were under five years of age on a worldwide basis (UN, 2019). The number of over sixties has risen by a third over the last decade, making this the fastest growing consumer segment (Euromonitor, 2017). The United Nations has recognized the fact that the numbers of the older population are growing rapidly, and it has estimated that over two billion people will be aged sixty years and over by the year 2050. In recent years, both practitioners and researchers have acknowledged the importance of older adults as a significant market segment of the tourism industry (Paxson, 2009). Becoming old does not necessarily restrict and inhibit senior travellers’ desire to travel; in fact, the opposite is occurring, and this will have a great impact on the tourism industry. Several authors (Patterson, 2002; Tung et al., 2011) have agreed on the increasing importance of analyzing and providing an in-depth understanding of this heterogeneous travel market. This study examines certain themes related to senior tourism, their preferences and constraints, and it provides an exploration of expectations and needs of silver travelers regarding tourism and hospitality. It aims to understand and explore how seniors travel for leisure. This study outlines (1) an overview of the potential of the senior market segment for the tourism industry, (2) a better understanding of this emerging market segment and (3) concludes with a discussion of key considerations.