A Profile of Older Adult Ecotourists in Australia

Abstract

A survey of 1,140 ecolodge patrons in the Lamington National Park district of Queensland, Australia, found that the older adult (65+) component was similar to their younger counterparts in adhering to the basic ecotourism criteria of preferring natural environments, learning experiences, and sustainable practice. However, older adults differed with respect to the facilitation of these experiences, preferring a higher level of comfort and less risk. Significant differences were also noted in gender, income, motivations,activities and group composition. The study suggests that older adults constitute a distinctive ecotourist market for which targeted marketing and product development strategies are warranted