According to the UN (2015) the numbers of older people are growing rapidly.

By 2050
there will be over 2 billion people aged 60years and over. This will account 22% out of
world’s population. In comparison in 2000 there was only 10%.

In the same time the gender balance of older population will remain relatively unchanged. So
in 2050, woman aged 60 and over will count 53% of all worlds’ population.

As result of this population explosion it is anticipated that senior tourism will because a
changing market segment.

According to Moller, there are 3 types of seniors.

1. Empty nesters (age group 55-64): they are still working; however their children have left
home. Because of stable income, they take shorter trips but travel more often.

2. Young Seniors (age group 65-79): many had recently retired and they use their past
savings to cope with their current expenses. If they don’t have any serious health problem,
than they will choose to travel and spend money on quality goods and services.

3. Seniors (age group 80 years and older): need for health care or retirement a home is
increasing for this age group. Also this group travels less or very little, preferring domestic
destinations.

Knowing about their status and their needs we can fill the gap in tourism market, by
involving new consumers.

In other study the researcher Esichaikul (2012) illustrated the demands of senior tourists.
Types Leisure Activities Among the Elderly
Passive Active Un-interested Activities
1. Watching TV 1. Shopping, visiting mall or 1. wild hunting
2. Listening Radio supermarkets. 2. fishing
3. Social Work 2. City Tour 3. climbing
4. Activities related to the 3. Visiting Heritage, 4. camping
Hobby museums, etc. 5. tracking
5. Talent associated with 4. lunch and dinner in 6. surfing
craft restaurants 7. sunbathing
6. Talent relates to the art
One fact, according to UN the ratio of older population by 2050 will be the lowest in Europe
and highest in Asia. That’s why countries from Asia should pay bigger attention on senior
tourism.
European Countries had already a variety of senior’s tour programs. For example:
http://www.europeseniortourism.eu They invite anyone who is aged 55 or more and are
resident in a country in the European Union, they can travel with a companion (with no age
constraints). This tour is a chance to discover Spain from October to May with Europe
Senior Tourism's program of all-in holiday packages, including flights, transfers, three- or
four-star hotel, half-board, spas, a destination experience and travel insurance. It worked in
2016.
Also, there are Tours and Cruises for Single Seniors
https://www.singlestravelintl.com/ Singles Travel International offers trips and cruises for all
age ranges, but they also offer cruises for singles ages 50 and over several times each year.
You can go on safari or get away for a weekend to explore Italy, and you get to choose either
a room sharing option or higher-cost private room.
https://www.silversea.com/ Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers reduced single
supplements on some of its cruises. Silversea also has a Gentlemen Hosts program on some
cruises; single women who want to eat or dance with someone can enjoy the companionship
of a polite, polished gentleman.
https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/ Solo’s Holidays offers international trips and activity trips
for singles in three different age ranges: over 30, over 40, and over 50—as well as tours for
singles of all ages.
Spa Towns
http://www.tratamentbalnear.ro/baile-herculane Also there are the package tours for senior to
spa therapy (Spa towns). Romania and Poland and Hungary are famous for these kinds of
tours. The spa town is the town that has natural therapeutic and environmental factors used in
spa treatment, active rest, recreation and other tourist activities and benefits from organizing,
endowment, construction and landscaping and urban planning appropriate for the tourism
and tourism activities and balneary).
https://www.tourradar.com/pa/seniors-d-europe
https://www.stridetravel.com/senior-tours-europe#trips
These are sites totally made for senior tourists, where you can choose the travel style and
budget. And you can find what the best attraction is. There are over hundred operators which
provide the tours.
https://www.adventures-abroad.com/region/western-europe Is the site where you can choose
not only the trip style, but also you can choose the activity level.
Hobby Tourism
https://www.bookcyclingholidays.com/all/c/senior-cycling This site is for cycling tour they
offer the senior tour too.
https://www.seniorgolftoureurope.com/ this is the golf tour for all serious senior golfers who
are 48+.
In conclusion, I would say that on European Tourism Market, the tours for seniors have a big
popularity. Some tourists find their old age even younger than their age because of improved
health, and they are more active. They even want to look for a challenging new experience
like to see other cultures before they are older and before his health declined.