Illustrative photo (Photo: thanhnien.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – Senior tourism is described as a potential market segment in Vietnam, especially for domestic tours.
According to surveys of domestictourists in 2019 by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, elderly tourists account for a relatively low proportion in the structureof domestic tourists. Those aged 55-65 accounted for4.53% and those over 65, about 1.44%. Meanwhile, inVietnam, elderly people aged 60 and more currently account for12.8% of the country's population.
The figures show that the potential forsenior tourism development is still very large. Moreover, this segment doesnot depend much on the season factor, and has a high "loyalty". Onceelderly tourists are satisfied with the services they are provided with, they willbecome regular customers.
Therefore, with suitable products andstrategies, tourism businesses can have a relatively stable number ofcustomers of this age group.
Over the past time, many travel agencieshave tailored tours for the elderly, focusing mainly on a few types of tourismsuch as resort, spiritual, medical, cultural, or historical tourism.
Recently, there are more and more new formsof tourism to serve the elderly such as "slow" tourism - spendingtime experiencing a place longer, staying longer, and more time for rest; and healthcare tourism, combining relaxation with meditation, yoga, massage,traditional medicine therapy with medical workers’ supervision.
Most elderly people are often reluctant totravel abroad because of language barriers, health problems, and busyschedules. Therefore, domestic tourism is considered more attractive withresorts in coastal areas of Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, QuyNhon, and Da Nang; and places with a mildand cool climate like Da Lat, Sa Pa or those with healthy activities like hotmineral/mud bathing, and physiotherapy.
According to a study by a team from theInstitute for Tourism Development Research, the group of tourists aged 60-69tends to travel more and more. The elderlyusually prefer destinations that are not too crowded, thematic tours, and packages, with travel schedules suitable for health and economic conditions, besides full and clear information about the travel schedule. They prioritise traveling with family and want to go to safedestinations, have high service quality, warm climates, and goodaccessibility.
The researchers noted that when buildingproducts and organising tours for the elderly, travel companies shouldrecommend tourists take a health check before departing, prepare enoughmedicine, and follow medical guidelines to ensure a safe journey.
Tour providers are recommended to designappropriate travel schedules with much time for rest and proper informationabout weather, language, and culture.
In addition, tour guides should be equippedwith knowledge about the psychology of the elderly and medical treatment tosolve arising problems.
The tourism and health sectors should worktogether to develop coordination programmes to integrate tourism activitieswith healthcare therapy for the elderly to enhance the value of their tourismexperiences./.
