Senior Vacationers are an Increasing Share of the Vacation Rentals Market
Seniors, with more money and leisure time than other age groups, are traveling to experience the world, according to an article by Robert N. Jenkins in the St. Petersburg Times. Jenkins reviews the statistics on recent trends:
“* At the start of the 1900s, the average life expectancy in the United States was 47. One century later, life expectancy is about 80.�
“* Already, almost 10 percent of our population is at least 65 years old. Every day, almost 5,600 more Americans reach that birthday. By 2030, roughly one of every five of us will be at least 65.�
“* People 50 and older control more than 70 percent of Americans' net worth.�
“* People at least 50 years old travel more than any other age group, averaging at least three leisure trips a year.�
“And being the most highly educated generation in our nation's history, this group also has the inclination to see how the rest of the world lives.�
As vacation rental owners, we have noted that an increasing number of our visitors are seniors, particularly during mid-week stays. For seniors who no longer have child care responsibilities and who are retired, the opportunity to travel in off- peak times is inviting.
We have found that senior guests are extremely important in keeping our vacation cabins occupied during the week, when rates are lower than weekend rates. They are also a key to keeping occupancy high during the “shoulder months�, such as September, when families with children must return for school.
A well-considered vacation rental marketing plan for seniors will include packages during the off-peak season. Romance packages, spa packages, and packages that include meals at gourmet restaurants tend to be popular with senior vacation rental guests.
