Older Aussies explore travel options
Older Australians who explore the nation in motorhomes are turning their sights to Asia, where their dollar goes further. Tourism consultant Tony Charters claimed Australia was at risk of losing its grey nomads, who were more confident travelling overseas than ever before.
Older Australians who explore the nation in motorhomes are turning their sights to Asia, where their dollar goes further.
Tourism consultant Tony Charters, who is convening the Global Eco tourism conference in Cairns this week, told AAP Australia was at risk of losing its grey nomads, who were more confident travelling overseas than ever before.
The over-50s, who traditionally camped and travelled around Australia in motorhomes and campervans, would be tempted by destinations such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia, Mr Charters claimed.
“In places like Cambodia, you can have three meals a day for less than $10 if you really put your mind to it and it’s quite an appealing prospect for someone who’s on a fixed income and the returns on their super are going down,” he said.
According to Mr Charters, self-funded retirees, grey nomads and baby boomers will start looking at what their alternatives are to spend a fair component of their year travelling in countries where the cost of living is significantly lower than living in their own country.
“They’re not likely to work, it’s more likely they will just explore and enjoy the culture and experience.”
Domestic travellers aged over 55 years reportedly contribute about $19 billion to the Australian economy each year, based on Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism figures.
Mr Charters said the industry needed to find a way to make Australians fall back in love with domestic holidays, with improved infrastructure and service and welltimed events, such as outback rodeos and country races.
