Grey Tourism in Australia

Grey Tourism in Australia
1. Introduction
This paper deals with Grey Tourism in Australia. First of all, definitions, facts and figures about grey tourism and the motivation for senior travelling will be outlined. Secondly, different forms and activities of Grey Tourism in Australia will be identified. Next, the paper analyses the growing market of Grey Tourism and illustrates factors that influence senior travellers. Moreover, considerations regarding Grey Tourism will be examined. The paper will argue that leisure managers have to take into account that Grey Tourism is gaining significance in their industry and that special measures have to be taken to satisfy this growing market segment.
2. Identification & explanation of the issue
2.1. Definitions
Grey Tourism is a niche market in the tourism sector that refers to the seniors travel market (Economic Development Committee, 2010). However, there are different definitions of seniors. In the following, the definition by Tourism Queensland (n.d.) will serve as basis as this definition is also used in other literature and is consistent with the general assumption people have in mind when thinking about senior citizens: “The term Senior is usually used to refer to a person aged 60 or over” (Tourism Queensland, n.d., 1).