Title: Contemporary technologies and the best cultural practices in 'the senior tourism' segment

Authors: Olga Nikitina; Olga Akimova

Addresses: Department of Service, Congress and Exhibition, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, Sadovaya Street, 21, 191023, St. Petersburg, Russia ' Department of Service, Congress and Exhibition, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, Sadovaya Street, 21, 191023, St. Petersburg, Russia

Abstract: The article deals with development of 'the senior tourism' segment as an original specific consumer segment. The aim of this study is to develop proposals on specifications and thematic differentiation of tourist products for tour operators on the basis of identified interests and preferences of Russian elderly as well as the best cultural practices in 'the senior tourism' segment. The survey showed that the majority of older people would like to lead an active life, to gain additional knowledge and skills, to master new technologies, to communicate, to fill life with events. Analysis of services, provided by Russian social and recreational centres, museums, theatres, sanatoria, travel agencies, other commercial and non-profit organisations to the elderly, has allowed authors to generate a list of technologies, which could serve for new tourist products creation. The paper gives examples of the best Russian cultural practices in 'the senior tourism' segment.

Keywords: senior tourism; accessible tourism; senior segment; senior tourists requirements; cultural practices; consumer behaviour; creative technologies; creative industries; new tourist product; social activities; ageing population; generations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEPDM.2017.083922

International Journal of Environmental Policy and Decision Making, 2017 Vol.2 No.2, pp.152 - 166

Received: 01 Mar 2016
Accepted: 18 Oct 2016
Published online: 26 Apr 2017 *

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