London Gatwick Airport has reported travel trends for the older generation of travellers.
A recent report released by the airport has highlighted that 61 percent of Overseas Adventure Travellers (OTA) over 85 years of age travel more frequently now than when they were younger.
Travel has become a major pastime for the older generation, as 56 percent of OTAs over 70 years of age admitted to travelling more often in recent times, compared to when they were in their youth, based on a survey of 1,000 respondents.
The study has revealed that 30 percent of older travellers expect to benefit from special assistance when travelling. In 2011, the airport assisted 381,000 passengers with reduced mobility, and in 2012, it is providing special assistance to around 30,000 passengers every month.
While 88 percent of older travellers take up to three holidays a year, around 82 percent of the respondents visit destinations in the UK, 41 percent visit Spain, 35 percent visit France, and 22 percent visit the US.
Around 53 percent of elderly travellers prefer city breaks, 51 percent prefer beach holidays, while 27 percent prefer a cruise vacation.
Head of terminal operations at Gatwick Airport, Paul Fitch, said, ‘The findings of our research show that older age travellers are more confident than ever before but often welcome a little extra help. At Gatwick we provide support and special assistance at every step of an airport journey, from the moment people enter our doors to the moment they leave. From customised transport and dedicated seating right through to specially trained staff, we’re dedicated to making the airport journey easier and more enjoyable for everyone.’
