Travel industry told to provide for ‘golden traveller’
A new report into domestic tourism in the UK has highlighted a gap in the market for accessible and respite tourism aimed at the elderly.
The UK population of over 60s – branded ‘the golden travellers’ – is forecast to reach 16 million by 2020, according to Euromonitor International, which compiled the first Best of Britain and Ireland Travel Trends report.
It said: "Accessible and respite tourism is a trend that the travel industry needs to recognise as more ‘golden travellers’ require tailored health and wellness products and services whilst on holiday.
"Currently there are only a handful of operators catering to those requiring specialist care whilst also alleviating the pressure felt by families and carers.
"There is a clear gap in the market for accessible and respite tourism, representing an opportunity for travel companies to create tailor-made products for this sector that is only set to grow in the coming years."
This was one of four key emerging travel and tourism trends in the UK and Ireland highlighted by the report unveiled today at the Best of Britain and Ireland trade show at the NEC.
The report also suggested that the planned HS2 Rail link would have a significant impact on domestic tourism, making cities and regions in the UK more accessible to domestic and international visitors.
"The North East, Yorkshire and North West lines have seen large declines in UK domestic trips over 2012 and 2013, 9.4%, 8.7% and 3.4% respectively, and could particularly benefit from the new link," it said.
"Convenient access to the Midlands, Scotland and London can offer further tourism investment opportunities in these areas and encourage growth for both business and leisure travel, allowing tourists the opportunity to visit remote areas, as well as encouraging more regional business meetings."
Gadgets will have a growing interest on travel, said the report, which highlighted Google Glass, which is already being trialled by Virgin to offer passengers a more personal greeting, and driverless cars.
Peer-to-peer sharing, via websites such as Airbnb and onefinestay which enable home owners to rent rooms to visitors, will also have a growing impact on domestic tourism, it said.
Euromonitor head of travel and tourism Caroline Bremner said: "Although peer-to-peer rental sites have not eclipsed traditional hotels, hoteliers will have to work harder to compete for the 21st century traveller as they demand greater flexibility in their travel needs."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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