Mobile retirement May 10, 2009

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Elderly tourists do not wish to be white crows – how to sell them more tours? Retired people, whose numbers are growing continuously – are a true heaven’s blessing for companies in the tourism sector of the economy. This is a conclusion reached by a recent survey made by an international inquirer. Retirees find themselves unwilling to remain “locked up” in a ghetto, tied to their homes and wish to travel just as much as any other age group members. The survey was conducted by a French agency that specializes in tourism development called Odit France.

Also, scientists remind us that in 2006, in France, there were more than 16 million people above the age of 55 and in 2050 this number is expected to reach values in the neighborhood of 29,5 million people. Elderly people in Europe travel more and more and as time goes by they start to catch up with the younger hitch hikers, train hoppers, and spring breakers. 73,4% of all the tourist above the age of 50, who are from France, have travelled abroad on vacation in 2007. This number is comparable to the number of tourist in the 15 to 49 age group, who also travelled abroad – 74,9%. The research also points out that retirees remain a very sophisticated customer group for tourism companies and managers because they are unfairly considered passive, conservative, unprofitable; and sometimes this category of customers might even be called caricaturist. But nevertheless sociologist recommend that companies in the tourism sector of the economy, such as hotels and tour agencies, to avoid pointing to the social status of elderly customers during communication, because not a single retiree wants to be pointed at his or her age.

Among retired tourists there are the same categories of travelers as among other age groups: adventurous, cautious, excursion lovers or beach lovers. Understanding all of these aspects may help the tour agent sell tours effectively and successfully.