Determinants of Seniors’ Participation in Tourism: Psychological and Organisational Perspective in the Context of Sustainable Tourism

Population ageing is one of the main demographic trends of modern Europe. It is a challenge for the whole economy, including the tourism industry. The specific needs of seniors, resulting from the processes of physiological ageing, require appropriate adaptation of tourism offers to their requirements. This is the only way to implement the principle of inclusivity that underpins sustainable tourism. This article discusses the results of research on the preferences and habits of older people with regard to tourist trips, taking into account psychological aspects. The research goal was to learn about seniors’ tourism activity and the factors hindering it, as well as to determine the relationship between tourism and seniors’ well-being. This article presents the results of the survey conducted in a sample of 209 seniors from the Polish city of Szczecin, with the use of Paper and Pen Personal Interview (PAPI) and Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) techniques. The results enabled the identification of the frequency and purposes of senior travel, as well as the factors and the extent to which participation in tourist trips was hindered. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of tourist trips on seniors’ well-being and overall mood. As a result of the conducted research, it was demonstrated that travelling constitutes a source of positive emotions for seniors. It was found that the tourism activity of this group declines with age, and the main factors limiting participation in tourism were poor health and insufficient financial resources. Among the primary barriers to travelling, respondents indicated long travel times and language obstacles. Overall, seniors exhibited an open attitude toward tourism, expressing a positive outlook on discovering new destinations and meeting new people. The adopted research framework assumes that psychological and organisational factors influence behavioural outcomes through mechanisms related to constraints and preferences. By incorporating organisational and psychological aspects, the obtained results contribute to filling the existing research gap. Such a broad research perspective, along with the conclusions drawn from the study, may also have practical implications. A senior-centric approach adopted by entities involved in developing tourism offers for seniors may contribute to reducing or even eliminating the barriers that members of this group currently face when participating in tourism activities. This entails both economic and social benefits and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of tourism.