Senior tourism – a potential market segment in Vietnam

Senior tourism is described as a potential market segment in Vietnam, especially for domestic tours.

Illustrative photo

According to surveys of domestic tourists in 2019 by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, elderly tourists account for a relatively low proportion in the structure of domestic tourists. Those aged 55-65 accounted for 4.53% and those over 65, about 1.44%. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, elderly people aged 60 and more currently account for 12.8% of the country's population.

The figures show that the potential for senior tourism development is still very large. Moreover, this segment does not depend much on the season factor, and has a high "loyalty". Once elderly tourists are satisfied with the services they are provided with, they will become regular customers.

Therefore, with suitable products and strategies, tourism businesses can have a relatively stable number of customers of this age group.

Over the past time, many travel agencies have tailored tours for the elderly, focusing mainly on a few types of tourism such as resort, spiritual, medical, cultural, or historical tourism.

Recently, there are more and more new forms of tourism to serve the elderly such as "slow" tourism - spending time experiencing a place longer, staying longer, and more time for rest; and healthcare tourism, combining relaxation with meditation, yoga, massage, traditional medicine therapy with medical workers’ supervision.

Most elderly people are often reluctant to travel abroad because of language barriers, health problems, and busy schedules. Therefore, domestic tourism is considered more attractive with resorts in coastal areas of Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon, and Da Nang; and places with a mild and cool climate like Da Lat, Sa Pa or those with healthy activities like hot mineral/mud bathing, and physiotherapy.

According to a study by a team from the Institute for Tourism Development Research, the group of tourists aged 60-69 tends to travel more and more. The elderly usually prefer destinations that are not too crowded, thematic tours, and packages, with travel schedules suitable for health and economic conditions, besides full and clear information about the travel schedule. They prioritise traveling with family and want to go to safe destinations, have high service quality, warm climates, and good accessibility.

The researchers noted that when building products and organising tours for the elderly, travel companies should recommend tourists take a health check before departing, prepare enough medicine, and follow medical guidelines to ensure a safe journey.

Tour providers are recommended to design appropriate travel schedules with much time for rest and proper information about weather, language, and culture.

In addition, tour guides should be equipped with knowledge about the psychology of the elderly and medical treatment to solve arising problems.

The tourism and health sectors should work together to develop coordination programmes to integrate tourism activities with healthcare therapy for the elderly to enhance the value of their tourism experiences./.

VNA