The over-50s are getting more adventurous and going on more holidays than when they were younger, new research reveals ahead of a conference examining the market.
Delegates at Abta’s one-day event will learn about the latest trends and popular destinations among the over-50s, specifically how older travellers are looking to personalise their holidays and how to cater for them.
Debbie Marshall, managing director at Silver Travel Advisor, is guest speaker at the event at law firm Hill Dickinson’s offices today. She said: “It’s changed compared to 20 years ago.”
Research carried out by the review and advice website shows 83% of over-50s feel like they have more than 25 years of healthy travel ahead of them and 74% are taking more holidays than they did before they were 50.
And 43% of survey respondents said they are more adventurous now than they were before their 50th birthday.
Abta research shows the over-50s are adapting to researching and booking trips online.
In the last year, 76% of 55 to 64-year-olds booked a holiday online and 27% by phone. Just 14% booked in store – less than the average across all age groups.
This age group is also most likely to book a holiday on a desktop or laptop with 97% of respondents saying they would do so.
The over-65s are the most likely age group to book on the phone; 74% of respondents booked online.
Nikki White, Abta’s director of destinations and sustainability, said: “Differing requirements within this age group have emerged. Travel firms need to be aware of the dynamics when creating holidays for these groups.”