Well-off pensioners made 35 million visits to travel websites in the past year, driving record growth, new research reveals.
The number of visits to travel sites rose to 920 million in May, up from 906 million in the same month last year, according to Experian’s Hitwise tool.
This suggested that over-65s are becoming better off – perhaps helped along by pensions changes and cash availability – they are technologically aware and keen to travel.
San Francisco tops the 10 more desired destinations so-called silver surfers wish to visit, followed by France, Spain, Paris, Dublin, Tenerife, Majorca, New York, Dubai and Amsterdam.
This age group is identified as having a significant amount of disposable income that allows them to look at luxury purchases such as holidays.
Giles Longhurst, general manager, consumer insights at Experian Marketing Services, said: “It’s interesting to see that those in the retired bracket are playing such a significant role in boosting online activity in the travel sector.
“Travel brands need to acknowledge this change in consumer behaviour and make sure they are engaging with this audience.
“These silver surfers are defying stereotypes about those in later life using the internet and technology.
“They are also likely to be taking advantage of their extra disposable income.
“Having paid off their mortgages and downsized their homes, many over 65s are taking advantage of the added freedom they have found and are enjoying a very active retirement – including plenty of overseas travel.”