Chinese tourism market expands tailored offerings for seniors
Demand for senior tourism is growing in China. Since the beginning of the year, the number of trips among people aged 55 to 70 has increased by 42%. Notably, more than a third of these bookings are for individual tours.
"I wanted to visit the Arctic Village and see the snow in Snow Town since many years ago, but I never had the time. Now that I’m retired, I have time and enjoy traveling. We like to see the beautiful landscapes of our country," said a tourist surnamed Shuai from southwest China's Sichuan Province.
To meet the demands of elderly tourists for quality and comfort, the train offers butler-style service including personalized luggage handling and tailored activity arrangements. The dining car serves low-sugar, low-salt meals that accommodate seniors' dietary needs. Fully equipped functional spaces, such as a reading corner, a game room, a mini KTV, and a fitness area, enhance the experience. Additionally, activities like folk lectures, handicraft workshops, and revolution-themed song competitions enrich their journey.
"To ensure that elderly passengers can rest comfortably, we have widened and waterproofed the walls between the train compartments," said Yu Wensheng, head of Harbin Railway International Travel Agency.
