Select Language:
The increasing retiree population in the country has become a significant force in the aviation and tourism sectors, according to a recent report from an online travel platform.
This year, travelers aged 55 to 70 have traveled to 255 cities within the country, with their international flight bookings climbing 19% compared to last year, reaching 1,452 overseas destinations—110 more than the previous year.
Within China, smaller cities known for their scenic landscapes or historic sites are gaining popularity among older travelers. The fastest-growing destinations for this demographic include Ulanqab in Inner Mongolia, Xingtai in Hebei, and Qitai in Xinjiang, where bookings increased by over nine times, nearly nine times, and almost six times, respectively.
For international trips, the top destinations include Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, and Macau. Some retirees are venturing even further—over 7,600 have traveled to Uzbekistan, more than 2,000 to Peru, and nearly 1,000 to Madagascar, according to the platform’s data.
Experts note that the rise in the elderly population and their increased disposable income will greatly influence the development of future airline products. Compared to other travelers who typically take trips lasting five to seven days, retirees tend to prefer longer journeys of seven to fifteen days, emphasizing slow travel and wellness-focused experiences, said a representative from a major airline’s marketing division.
In response, airlines are tailoring services for this age group. For example, a major airline has introduced a senior-friendly flight pass. Customers aged 60 and above can purchase a Senior Benefits Card for CNY499 (around USD70). This card allows them to buy special fare tickets for CNY300 each, with unlimited purchases during its validity period.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
