European Regional Science Association
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European Regional Science Association
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The abstract for paper number 336:
Artur Rosa Pires
University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal, Carla Santos, Department of Environment and Planning
University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Designing policies for senior tourism development: the case of Aveiro (Portugal)
Senior tourism is opening new relevant market opportunities for a wide range of world economies. The ageing process of population, particularly in the more developed countries, may sustain the argument that the expected increase of the senior segment of tourism market has a strong potential to grow. In addition, according to recent literature sources, there are social and behavioural changes in senior populations which, when dealing with the analysis of senior tourism market evolution, should be also addressed. These changes can be illustrated by the growing propensity of senior populations to be involved and participate in a (increasing as well) diversity of leisure and tourism activities, as a means of personal development and enrichment.
There is evidence that the development of senior tourism market has a strong positive socio-economic impact in several countries. This impact can be easily illustrated through the minimisation of the consequences of tourism seasonality, such as seasonal unemployment.
This paper, acknowledging the relevance of senior tourism promotion for socio-economic development, highlights a policy design effort directed to foster that specific market segment in the Portuguese region of Aveiro. This coastal region is endowed with adequate natural, economic, social and cultural potential to become a privileged locus for senior tourism development. However, there is a lack of awareness in relation to the benefits of senior tourism for local/regional development, as well as a lack of institutional capacity to foster and implement a purposeful strategy.
Hence, the challenge faced by the policy effort referred to above was associated with, on the one hand, the need for a purposeful integration of the various facets configuring the region potential for senior tourism development, and, on the other hand, the need to mobilise regional agents and bring knowledge to qualify shared development trajectories.
Unfortunately full paper has not been submitted.