“SILVER TOURISM 55 plus: Driver for the extension of the tourism season”

 

Questions and themes that will be addressed by the PHILOXENIA conference, which will invite distinguished speakers from Greece and abroad to offer their knowledge and experience to the professionals of the tourist industry. The conference is co-organized by TIF-HELEXPO and the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation and will be held on November 10th at the conference center "N. GERMANOS " at the premises of HELEXPO in Thessaloniki.

 

Travelers over 55, retired or non-retired, vary according to age group, socio-economic profile and personal preferences. "Silver" tourists usually have lower middle-income than the rest of the population, but they tend to spend more on their holidays.

 

At the same time, in recent years, they tend to form the bulk of the tourist market as they travel longer than other times. These travelers have great tourist experience, perhaps being the most demanding consumers. However, they are more flexible as to when they choose to travel and therefore do not prefer tourist peak periods.

 

During their stay at a destination, "silver" tourists should enjoy the experience of traveling so they have enough information about possible activities (museums, outdoor activities, and visits to natural and cultural landscapes, access to other recreation areas). The importance of having adequate infrastructure and trained staff who are well acquainted with the various products and services offered in a destination, based on their needs, especially those related to the provision of health services, welfare and high gastronomy is crucial.