The domestic travel industry needs to better respond to an ageing population by developing programmes for accessible and respite tourism.
The call comes in the first trends report by research company Euromonitor International for this week’s Best of Britain & Ireland trade show in Birmingham.
It estimates that the UK’s over-60 population will reach 16 million by 2020 and says the industry must ensure their requirements are not ignored.
Accessible and respite tourism is a trend that the industry must recognise as more older travellers have both physical, mental and health issues that affect the type of holiday they can go on.
The report claims there are currently only a handful of operators that are catering for those who require specialist care while also alleviating the pressure felt by families and carers – Paladin Life (Devon), Mosaic Leisure (Preston), Dementia Holiday (Lincoln), and Vitalise UK (London).
Euromonitor senior research analyst Tayihha Jurdine said: “There is a clear gap in the market for accessible and respite tourism.
“This represents an opportunity for travel companies, tour and coach operators who identify a sector that is only set to grow in the coming years.”
The report also highlights online peer-to-peer sharing of travel experiences as being increasingly apparent in the accommodation sector due to websites such as Airbnb, OneFineStay, Roomarama, HomeAway and FlatClub.
Many of these private rental options are diversifying by catering to specific needs and groups – business, luxury and family travellers.
Euromonitor head of travel and tourism Caroline Bremner said: “Although these 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.”