China's senior tourism market has significant growth potential due to factors such as improved health among the elderly, increased purchasing power, and desire for exploration and leisure in retirement, officials and analysts said.
However, they added that senior travelers have different demands and preferences than younger travelers, requiring innovative approaches and differentiated services to cater to this growing demographic.
With rapid social and economic growth in recent years, perceptions of travel have changed, and wanderlust is increasingly increasing among the elderly, said Liu Ming, director of the Social Development Department of the National Development and Reform Commission. Top economic planning agency.
Seniors now make up a significant portion of the overall travel market. This demographic shift requires travel companies and service providers to enhance and diversify their offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of older travelers, Liu added.
According to a survey released by Kokugen Securities, approximately 81% of elderly people have a clear desire to travel, with 64% of them traveling more than once a year, due to increasing disposable income and changing consumer attitudes. I answered that I would go on a trip.
A report released in July by the China Academy of Tourism said senior tourism is expected to become the fastest growing sector in the silver economy as the country's population ages and the economy develops.
By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, China's domestic senior tourism revenue is expected to reach 1.14 trillion yuan ($160 billion), the report said, adding that He added that he was looking for more than just leisure. They want travel experiences that offer opportunities for cultural enrichment, personal growth, and social engagement.
Traditionally, the senior tourism market has been characterized by a narrow range of products and experiences, and due to limited options, it has not been possible to capture the rich diversity of seniors' interests and desires, according to commercial media. said Guo Delong, chief analyst at Mi Din Academy. Consulting agency.
Mr. Guo said that the most popular senior tourism products can be divided into three main categories: health-focused tour packages, cultural experiences, and family and friendship-focused trips, and these popular options have unique characteristics. He added that they are responding to needs and requests. About the elderly.
Furthermore, data from the China Silver Industry Association and Dongcheng Travel show that retirees with plenty of leisure time are increasingly choosing flexible travel schedules and clearly prefer off-season travel.
The findings revealed that older travelers tend to avoid cold winters and scorching summers, with peak travel periods between March to May and September to November.
To further explore the potential of the senior tourism market, the State Council has issued guidelines for the development of the silver economy, with special emphasis on diversifying travel options and creating a more inclusive environment for seniors.
The guidelines stress that travel agencies should place less emphasis on age restrictions and more on the health status of their customers, and call for improved complaint handling mechanisms and stronger supervision of travel agencies. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand the coverage of travel insurance policies to include specific clauses tailored to the needs of older adults.
To tap into the vast potential of the senior tourism market, travel companies are now investing in research and development to create innovative products and services that meet the unique requirements of older adults.
Trip.com, an online travel agency in China, has introduced quantifiable indicators for group tours to improve the travel experience of seniors, such as requiring a minimum of 1 hour for meals and It also stipulated that sightseeing time will be increased by an additional 20%.
Additionally, travel portal Tuniu offers comprehensive travel packages for senior travelers. This minimizes the additional cost of self-funded activities and makes the entire itinerary suitable for older travelers, allowing sufficient time for each activity at a relaxed pace.
