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Travel motivations of seniors

Author

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  • Roberto Patuelli

    (University of Bologna, Italy; The Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis (RCEA), Italy)

  • Peter Nijkamp

    (Tinbergen Institute, The Netherlands; Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland; The Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis (RCEA), Italy)

Abstract

Over the past decades, leisure travel has become increasingly popular in older segments of the world population, as a consequence of global factors such as a rise in life expectancy, improved health conditions, a higher disposable income and increased availability of discretionary time in retirement age. Consequently, researchers have become more interested in studying the motivations for travel of seniors. A number of questions may be raised or have been addressed in the recent past: What are the main factors explaining the travelling choices of seniors? Are their travel motivations different from the ones of the general population, which have been widely studied in the past? Are geographical differences in terms of motivations comparable between different age groups? Why is senior tourism a topic of particular interest with regard to Asia? In order to answer such questions, in this article, we provide a review of the literature on the travel motivations of seniors. On the basis of 29 articles published between 1988 and 2015 on the topic, we present a qualitative and meta-analytic assessment of past findings, by investigating the dimensions of travel motivations most frequently identified in past seniors surveys. Finally, we discuss a research agenda for further analysis of senior travel motivations and for the integration of this branch of travel research within the wider framework of senior tourism analysis and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Patuelli & Peter Nijkamp, 2016. "Travel motivations of seniors," Tourism Economics, , vol. 22(4), pages 847-862, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:toueco:v:22:y:2016:i:4:p:847-862
    DOI: 10.1177/1354816616654257
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sien Leong Liew & Siti Rahayu Hussin & Nawal Hanim Abdullah, 2021. "Attributes of Senior-Friendly Tourism Destinations for Current and Future Senior Tourists: An Importance-Performance Analysis Approach," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(1), pages 21582440219, March.
    2. Sigitas Urbonavicius & Tomas Palaima & Indre Radaviciene & Joseph Cherian, 2017. "Push and Pull Factors of Senior Travelers: The Lingering Influence of Past Restrictions," Tržište/Market, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, vol. 29(1), pages 93-108.
    3. Yufei Lin & Yingxia Pu & Xinyi Zhao & Guangqing Chi & Cui Ye, 2023. "The Spatiotemporal Elasticity of Age Structure in China’s Interprovincial Migration System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Puwei Zhang & Li Wu & Rui Li, 2023. "Development Drivers of Rural Summer Health Tourism for the Urban Elderly: A Demand- and Supply-Based Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-27, July.
    5. Joanna Zielińska-Szczepkowska, 2021. "What Are the Needs of Senior Tourists? Evidence from Remote Regions of Europe," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-22, October.
    6. S. V. Ilkevich, 2018. "Senior Tourism Persp Ectives In The Context Of The Pension Reform In Russia," Strategic decisions and risk management, Real Economy Publishing House, issue 4.
    7. Daniels, Margaret J. & Harmon, Laurlyn K. & Brayley, Russell E. & Vese, Rodney & Park, Minkyung, 2019. "Honor flight: Recognition of preeminent-mature tourists," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 95-107.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    literature review; research agenda; seniors; travel motivations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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