Preferences and Behaviors of the Elder People Resting in Valuable Natural Areas

The purpose of this paper is to introduce results of the research about preferences and behaviors of the elder people, resting in natural valuable areas. Thus, in the article the profile of an average senior, sightseeing valuable natural areas, was presented and such aspects like motives for choosing this form of tourism (as well as the particular offer), tourists’ use of sources of information concerning accommodation, preferred ways of spending leisure time and expectations about diversification and improvement of the offer were discussed. Finally, the analysis of factors implicating surveyed tourists’ behaviors and expectations (like level of education and financial status) was made. The research with use of the polling technique was made in summer of 2013 and included 45 participants (tourists) in age of 55 or higher, resting in rural accommodation objects near Kampinos National Park. Identification of preferences and behaviors of people resting in valuable natural areas is crucial to the improvement and adaptation of tourist accommodation offer to the level expected by particular market segments. Such research is also important for authorities of the local communities, as well as people planning touristic and recreational development in valuable natural areas. Previous research was rarely focused on particular age groups, what seems to be vital in such case, because youths, families with babies or seniors have completely different expectations regarding their holidays.