Access Tourism NZ TOURISM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, AND AGEING BOOMERS IN NEW ZEALAND AND WORLDWIDE

Accor Hotel regional general manager Neil Scanlan told the Cairns Strategic Tourism Forum last week that Tourism North Queensland (TNQ) is missing out on the huge Baby Boomer market because it focuses too much on younger travellers.  According to Travel Weekly, Scanlan told his audience that the people with the funds, the time, and the inclination to travel are more likely to be mature aged, but that little is done to attract them.  In comparison, the younger market is small compared to the millions of Baby Boomers, both in Australia and worldwide.   Meanwhile, a tourism repositioning report prepared for the Queensland Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism in February 2009 identifies Baby Boomers as one of the best segments for providing good tourism growth and yield for the region.  The report states that

“The world’s population is aging, and an increasing proportion of the Baby Boomers are entering retirement. Time rich, healthy, disposed to spend on travel, and inquisitive, they represent an increasingly important target segment for tourism destinations. In the current economic climate where the younger age segments are under some pressure, their value does increase.  They have the potential to be long stay and repeat customers for a destination which can deliver a range of experiences and lifestyle options conducive with their new priorities in life. The UK and Japanese markets would appear to be prime opportunities for this segment development. The NZ and domestic market also have potential which should be explored.  TNQ needs to consider what modifications of services and product are required to attract this segment,  Their interest in self development and learning is an important consideration in their choice of destinations and holiday options. A destination which can deliver programs to stimulate this segment alongside its natural appeal will have an advantage.  As part of the aging process there is a related interest in, and demand for medical facilities and service.  This includes “soft” health services as well as major surgical.   Medical tourism is a sector which has grown, in recent years, but is not only servicing the older segments but increasingly younger age groups. “