Three quarters of 62-71 year olds go on holiday once a year, 68% of 72-81 year olds and nearly one in two people over 82. Retirees, more and more active, and freed from time constraints in particular, are numerous to be able to go on vacation and represent an important clientele for the tourism sector. A trend that should continue to grow in the future. But what are the favorite destinations for seniors?
In France, people aged 62 and over represent nearly a third of all overnight stays by French tourists according to data published by the Directorate General for Enterprise (DGE) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which points out that French seniors are “a growth-enhancing tourism segment ». The average expenditure per trip by retirees in France is 406 euros, compared to 356 euros for those aged 25-61.
Indeed, a large part of them choose France as their destination to go on vacation. It is true that the country is full of very attractive and diverse regions in terms of their landscapes and geographical positions. Going on vacation in France is for tourists, including of course retirees, the possibility of spending a stay either by the sea, in the mountains or in the countryside. Seniors also have the advantage of being able to discover these beautiful regions full of charm outside the peak tourist season, therefore outside peak periods, and at more attractive prices.
Among the favorite regions of retirees to spend their holidays, there are mainly coastal regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Aquitaine and all of the South-West, Corsica and Brittany. The oldest take advantage of their stay in France to, most often, go on cultural tourism and discover the rich heritage of France and French know-how. Retired people who spend their holidays in France also favor contact with nature and practice hiking more than other younger tourists, for example.
12% of 62-89 year olds go on holiday abroad. Europe, and in particular Southern Europe, is one of the destinations popular with retirees. They are particularly attracted to countries where they are sure to find the sun and where they can enjoy the mild climate. Their favorite destinations are, first of all, Spain, then Italy, Portugal but also Greece.
Seniors who opt for these European countries for their stays also take the opportunity to discover the main centers of cultural and tourist interest, while enjoying a relaxed pace of life.
Some retirees, and in particular the most adventurous (often the youngest among them), favor distant destinations for their holidays, which guarantee them the most complete change of scenery. The foreign countries most popular with seniors are in North Africa. These are Tunisia and Morocco. Further away, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, in Southeast Asia, are also popular destinations for retirees.
