Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The growth of communication systems, particularly network and cable television, has broadened
the scope of people
s interests in other lands and other peoples. To be able to see, as well as hear, has a
powerful impact on the viewer's mind and provides acquaintanceship with conditions in another
country, and this viewer may develop a desire for a visit. As communications resources grow,
awareness and interest also grow.
'
LIFE CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAVEL
Rising standards of living, changes in the population age composition, the increasing levels of
educational attainment, better communication, increased social consciousness of people relating
to the welfare and activities of other people throughout the world, and the psychological shrinking of
the world by the jet plane have combined to produce an interest among nations in all other nations.
Travel Patterns Related to Age
With age (late seventies and upward), the traveler may become more passive. Family
travel patterns
are associated with life stages of the family. The presence of young children tends to reduce the
number of trips taken, whereas married couples with no children are among the best travel prospects.
As the children mature, however, families increase their travel activities, and families with children
between the ages of 15 and 17 have a much higher family travel pattern than do those with younger
children. As the children grow up and leave home, the married couple (again without children) renews
interest in travel. Also, couples in this life stage are more likely to have more discretionary income and
are
financially able to afford more travel. Persons living in urban centers are more travel inclined than
are those in rural areas.
Senior Citizen Market
A major trend is the growth of the over-65 senior citizen market and the semi-senior citizen market
—
that is, those over 55 years old. Many have dubbed this the mature market, senior market, retirement
market, or elderly market. Others look at it as the 50-plus market because 50 is the age for
membership in AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons).
Whatever this market is called, it is an important and growing market. The over-65 group totaled
25.5 million in 1980, 31.2 million in 1990, and 34.8 million in 2000. Because of the small number of
births during the Great Depression, the group will growmore slowly to 39.7 million in 2010. After that, it
is expected to grow rapidly to 70.3 million in 2030 as the baby boomers reach this age (see Figure 11.1).
In Millions
80
70.3
70
60
53.7
50
39.7
40
34.8
31.2
30
25.5
20
16.6
9.0
10
Figure 11.1
Number of persons 65
and over, 1900
-
2030.
Source:U.S. Bureau of the Census
and AARP.
4.9
3.1
0
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
Year (As of July 1)
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