A report commissioned by Warner Leisure Hotels has found a rise in the number of grandparents fitting their holidays around childcare responsibilities.
Research for the ‘Great Expectations: Balancing the Benefits and Burdens of Modern Retirement’ report was conducted by market intelligence agency Mintel on behalf of the hotel group, which specialises in holidays for the over 55s, to tie in with pension changes soon coming into effect.
“The report found that travel is still the number one priority for people in retirement,” managing director Simon Thompson told Travel Weekly.
“However, many grandparents are central to making their family work and so they are often depended on for childcare.”
He explained that a trend has developed in which those in retirement take breaks when the school term resumes. This is referred to as ‘The Grey Escape’ in the report.
“Our guests tend to be very discerning and sensible, booking holidays three or four months in advance, but on the back of school holidays we have seen a rise in last minute bookings.
“Last September we were completely full every night.”
“They come to us as a retreat after looking after the kids and they know that nobody else’s kids will be there either.”
The report also found that over 55s are showing an increased interest in active holidays and to reflect that, Warner Leisure is introducing zip-wires and zorbing at its resorts.
“The research showed that their priorities are changing and our guests want to stay fit and healthy during their holidays.”