Nature-based senior travellers: A comparison with boomers and younger travellers

This Department is devoted to short papers, research reports, notes and other significant research events. Two copies of write-ups, not exceeding 3,000 words, may be mailed to the Section Editor, Professor David A. Fennell, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2S 3A1; e-mail. [email protected]. In all cases, one copy of the report should be mailed to the Chief Editor, TRR. As the baby boomer cohort who has the highest level of education than any previous generation enters the rank of senior citizens, growing numbers of senior visitors in nature-based tourist destinations are anticipated. Previous research suggests that demographic variables such as education level are key predictors of participation in nature-oriented recreation activities. Understanding demographic dynamics and the growth of the senior market for outdoor recreation and nature-based attractions is crucial to sustaining the quality of recreation and tourism services in the next decade. This study investigated the influential variables driving senior travellers to a national scenic area. By comparing senior with younger and middle-aged boomer travellers, the study seeks to highlight the demographic dynamics of recreation participation in a natural scenic destination. Implications for further research and recreation practitioners are discussed in the end.