Travel market for the silver-hair holds enormous potential

The silver-hair generation has become one of the most active tourist groups. Nowadays, they take trains to escape the summer heat in the mountains, go on cruises to explore the world, and camp in the suburbs.

According to the China Tourism Academy, by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan of
China, 2025, the number of healthy, low-age senior citizens with a high travel rate and significant tourism consumption is expected to exceed 100 million, with the potential revenue to surpass one trillion yuan.

The relatively abundant free time, improved health levels, and more disposable income are all favorable conditions for the elderly to participate in travel activities. The rapid development of such tourism is closely related to the aging process in China.

As of the end of 2022, the population aged 60 and above accounted for 19.8% of the total population. According to data from the National Health Commission of China, this proportion is expected to exceed 30% by around 2035.

Currently, the migratory trends of summer retreats in the north and winter escapes in the south have become a new way of travel for more senior citizens. Summer and winter vacations have gradually developed into mature forms of tourism.

For example, Mr. Wang from Beijing spends some time in Yunnan every summer after retirement. "I love the rainforest there, and I can enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathe fresh air, which is good to my health."

In April this year, the China Consumers Association released a research report on the 2022 Elderly Consumer Survey Project, which showed that the elderly of lower age contribute more in consumption and have more demand for consumption. To support the consumption of the silver-hair ones, the consumer environment still needs to be further improved to cater to their needs.

Source: People's Daily Overseas; trans-editing by Wang Yunya