Kamis, 21 Juni 2012

Travel trends: Over-55s are more likely to globetrot than young generation, and they'll book it all online

Travel trends: Over-55s are more likely to globetrot than young generation, and they'll book it all online

By Travelmail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 04:52 EST, 21 June 2012 | UPDATED: 04:52 EST, 21 June 2012

While globetrotting has long been seen as the pastime of the young and responsibility-free, a sea-change in recent years has led to older travellers accounting for more than half of holiday spending.

In 2010, 40 per cent of all long haul trips were taken by 45-64 year olds and those over 55 years old are more likely to go on a touring holiday than young backpackers.

And it seems as people get older they only want to travel more. Those over 65 are the most prolific travellers of the 45+ market, with 28 per cent indulging in two foreign holidays a year, compared to 19 per cent of all British holidaymakers.

Older couple

Third age: Older travellers globetrot a lot more than their younger counterparts and are happy to book their trips online

A study by holiday company Travelsphere, in partnership with Mintel Research Consultancy, found that older travellers are much more adventurous and tech-savvy than they are given credit for.

Those over 55 are more likely to book their whole trip online than travellers under 45 years of age, with two-thirds taking to the internet compared to 57 per cent of the younger group.

The Frequent Flying and Globe Trekking Older Travellers Report, also found that those aged between 55 and 64 were the only segment to increase long haul travel between 2008-10, in the context of an overall market decline of 9 per cent.

Current economic hardships may have impacted harder on the holidaying habits of the under 45s, those over 45 still consider holidays essential.

Two thirds of over 55s see holidays as necessary spend, compared to only half of 45-54 year olds and 45 per cent of under 45s.

Ian Smith, group CEO of Page Moy Travel Group, said: 'The fact that people over 50 are the highest spending and most prolific long-haul-travellers is backed up by Travelsphere’s experience.' 

Mr Smith added: 'Many of today’s older travellers have time, money and the internet at their fingertips to entice and enable. 

'The UK’s older population is growing at the fastest rate, accounting for 17 per cent of our population today, but is expected to rise to 23 per cent by 2035, so older travellers will continue to dominate the tourism offering at home and abroad.'

John Carter, former presenter of Wish You Were Here, said: 'It’s no surprise to me to discover older holidaymakers are taking over the world. We’ve got the time, interest and energy to search out destinations we’ve always dreamed of visiting.'

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