Dear Editor,
We have been keeping updated back home by reading the San Pedro Sun online. Thank you for great service.
We feel strong about representing our age group. This is due to my past employment and long experience in hotel management, planning and marketing. We are now retired and looking for a senior friendly travel destination.
For tourism organizations all over the world, the age group 60 and above represents the demographic of high priority. Why?
Believe it or not, this age group (60 and above) spends the most money of all age groups during a vacation stay.
Numerous surveys show we “oldies” spend in average US$666 (=$1332BZ) per person during our vacation, all on location. That is for restaurants, shopping, souvenirs, gifts and tours; not including travel and housing.
On location, we oldies spend double the money than the very budget conscious travel group age 18 to 29 and still a quarter more than the age groups 30 to 59.
Yes, we oldies have the most money saved, and therefore the most money on hand and ready for spending while on vacation 🙂
Our age group is also the age group that is most likely to return as repeat guests. We have collected plenty of travel experience in our past years and we would gladly return to a vacation spot over and over again, if we are made comfortable and feel welcomed. Returning to the same destination does make it easy on us as we already know the town and area.
Some travel destinations make it easy on the older age travelers, pleasing them with safe, quiet and comfortable conditions in town and surroundings. That includes green designed zones such as parks with trees, safe walkways, benches in nice and shady areas on ocean promenades and –of course– a safe, noise free and tranquil environment for our shopping and fine restaurant dining. This will guarantee that we –the retirees– will return for another pleasant vacation and to spend our money again, and again and again.
San Pedro Town might still feel enjoyable for some younger age groups but not for the aged and experienced travelers and especially not for that travel group (age 60 and above) who has the most money on hand, ready for spending.
There are already many tropical destinations, towns and tourism boards worldwide who had made decisive changes to accommodate the needs of middle aged and above travelers. Unfortunately San Pedro is lacking far behind.
Sincerely,
Craig and Barb
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Share
Read more
