Abstract
A list of 20 destination-specific attributes was generated through a literature review and was then classified, using the ‘4 As’ of tourism destination management practice: Attractions, Access, Amenities, and Ancillary Services. The results identified the essential components of a seniors-friendly tourism destination as barrier-free public transportation facilities, barrier-free accommodation facilities, variety of seniors-only accommodation options, barrier-free facilities along customized travel routes, and variety of public transport options. While accessibility and amenities constitute important and/or essential experiential components in a seniors-friendly destination, complementary services and tourism resources also contribute to tourism attractiveness. It is concluded that the ability of a destination to accommodate the special needs of senior travellers could be further enhanced by extending the availability and variety of both lodging- and transport-related barrier-free facilities and services. From a scholarly perspective, the study reinforces the need to address the desire amongst seniors in general for a sense of freedom and mobility, and the reality that a substantial subgroup have needs that merit special provision.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1-20 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Current Issues in Tourism |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 3 Nov 2016 |
Keywords
- Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
- destination attractiveness
- senior tourism
- Taiwan
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management