Image Source: whereilive

Elderly Australians may follow the younger crowds to South East Asia, opting for a cheaper, non-traditional holiday, according to a recent survey by Roy Morgan Research.

Known as ‘Grey Nomads’, these 50+ year-old travellers are set to take advantage of the discounted prices, warmer climate and adventurous landscape of Asian destinations.

“Grey Nomads have been a critical sector for the Australian tourism industry, particularly in regional and rural areas,” said tourism pioneer Tony Charters.

“With dwindling superannuation returns and pensions and improved longevity and wellbeing, the potential is there for older Australians to opt for Asian destinations where they can live like royalty for $20 to $30 a day.”

The consumer survey by Roy Morgan revealed one in two Australians intend to take an overseas trip in the next 12 months.

Mr Charters said Australia needs to prepare for a large amount of Australian’s holidaying overseas before the emerging markets of China and India have any serious effect on domestic tourism.

Grey Nomads are poised to take advantage of the high Australian dollar and travel abroad.

“We have seen petrol price hikes in the past curbing Grey Nomads travel, so it seems highly likely that more and more older Australians will seize the opportunity Asian destinations offer for warm climates and inexpensive living,” he said.

“Many Australians in their 50’s and 60’s now are very comfortable and familiar with Asian destinations, so the Australian industry would be wise to factor in dwindling Nomad numbers in the future.”

Tony Charters, together with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), will co-convene the Tourism and Events Excellence (TEE) conference in Melbourne next week.