Produkt turystyczny dla seniorów – tworzenie i perspektywy rozwoju

Abstract

In the contemporary world one of the fastest proceeding processes is ageing of the society. Despite some negative comments, ever growing number of senior citizens should be considered as potential customers of tourist services. A constructive reply to the demand of senior citizens must be an adequate supply, i.e. a well-prepared offer for senior citizens in the form of tourist products dedicated to this age bracket The present article aims to find answers to the following research questions: what should a tourist product for senior citizens look like, what factors and possible barriers should be taken into consideration while preparing it, what do senior tourists pay attention to when choosing a tourist offer, what advantages and disadvantages do they meet in their travels, what kinds of tourism do they choose most often? The subject matter taken up in the research required a proper method. A survey was conducted among senior citizens – participants in tours and trips organised by one of Warsaw travel agencies specialising, among others, in domestic tourism. The research conducted in spring and summer of 2010 was based on a questionnaire form completed anonymously by respondents. In total, 200 questionnaires were completed in the characteristic phase of a survey between March and August 2010 during weekend breaks. Respondents' answers to given questions provided information about general tourist habits of examined senior citizens and basing on them to create at least a partial profile of a senior tourist which may be used while composing a tourist product. A senior tourist takes part in tours and trips 2–3 times a year, most frequently choosing short domestic travels up to 5 days. His/her trips are organised by a travel agency and main purposes of travels are recreation and sightseeing. It has been stated that senior tourists spend their time most willingly visiting museums. A senior tourist while choosing a tourist offer is, first of all, guided by the trip route. In case of accommodation he/she pays more attention to its general standard, and during the tour it is vital to what extend the tour itinerary has been completed. The main barrier which he/she faces during the trip is a too fast pace of sightseeing. He/she appreciates the abilities of interesting and original way of conveying information by a tour guide or a tour leader. Respondents have listed the places in Poland which they visit most often in their travels and which they would like to go to. It has been stated that Pomerania and Little Poland are most frequently visited places whereas, the majority of respondents would like to go to Lower Silesia and the Bieszczady mountains. The article has stated as well that the outlined subject matter is a relatively new challenge in the context of tourism research, and a conducted survey may become a contribution to further research works related not only to a tourist product but generally to demand and supply.