The World Tourism Network (WTN) has launched ‘The Ageless Traveler’, a new interest group to advocate for easier travel for silver travellers.
According to eturbonews.com, The Ageless Traveler initiative aims to tap into the US$157 billion (R3 trillion) in annual spending by the internationally active generation. The World Tourism Organization reports that these travellers currently constitute 88% of premium travel service spenders, and by 2050, it is expected they will make up to two billion trips.
WTN Chairman Juergen Steinmetz emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of active 60-plus travellers, such as recognising gaps in age-friendly technology, staff training, accessible design and tailored itinerary creation.
The Ageless Traveler provides certification programmes, recommendations and suggested practices, consulting and training, and marketing and media networking events with experts to discuss silver travel as an opportunity. In addition, it offers information and qualifications to hotels, tour operators, transportation companies, cruise lines and attractions so they can understand how to improve accessibility for older travellers.