Over-55s take record number of holidays
The number of holidays taken by over 55s has risen to a record 34 million.
According to a Mintel report out this month, domestic holidays taken by over-55s rose by 2% in 2018, reaching 20.6 million.
The number of holidays abroad taken by over-55s increased by 1% in 2018, reaching 13.4 million.
Over-55s accounted for 32% of all holidays taken and 35% of all expenditure, said the Mintel report.
"The space between the kids leaving home and the onset of ‘old age’ is widening," said John Worthington, Mintel senior analyst.
"For those with the resources to enjoy it this is a golden time for travel. Competition for the silver pound is set to be intense. Digital research and online booking are becoming the norm amongst this group, but the trusted advice of their well-travelled peers is paramount."
Mintel’s forward-looking research found travel was a high priority for the over 55s age group.
When asked to choose their top three priorities for the next five years, spending time with family came top (54%) followed by improving health (38%), relaxing (37%) and travelling (36%).
Mintel predicted that demand for fully-supported, secure formats like cruises, escorted tours, and new products will grow for this age group.
"Most over-55s, however, enjoy the same holidays as everyone else – a seaside break, a city break, a cottage holiday or – increasingly – something more active and adventurous," it said.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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