Retirees are getting gutsier with their travels and eschewing laid-back itineraries for more exciting and adventurous ones, observed travel agents at ATF 2020.
“I have customers from Japan who are 65 years old or older, and they love adventure. They go trekking by waterfalls, cycling and even kayaking,” said Norakoun Tanseri, manager, Lao Boutique Travel, who added that favoured itineraries also include nature experiences such as staying in treehouses, gibbon-spotting, and Mekong dolphin-sighting.
Even in a relaxing destination like Bali, older travellers are swapping out their beach towels for sporting gear as they take a gander at low-impact water activities and land exploration, said TRM Hospitality’s sales manager Mardian Putra.
Nensi Setyaningsih, ASEAN inbound manager, TMS Tours, chimed in that these guests are opting for more invigorating activities that include tree-top adventure courses, snorkelling or a jungle lazy river.
“For our older guests, we can work together with the tour company to arrange a special tour that can provide activities that are not as dangerous. For example, we can replace river rafting with an outdoor lunch (while still giving them access to) other activities on the tour like tree-top adventure and snorkelling,” said Mardian.
