European cruises 'popular with older people'

Tuesday April 28th , 2009

Older people touring countries like Spain are increasingly choosing to travel by coach or onboard a cruise, an expert suggests.

Harold Burke, sales director at the UK Holiday Group, says that scenic coach touring and river cruising attract more mature tourists looking to see the world while relaxing.

He commented: "Once a customer has been on an escorted holiday they feel a sense of security and this becomes a decision-making factor on future holidays."

Recent figures released by the older person's charity Age Concern Holidays suggest that 58 per cent of older travellers would like to take more holidays in 2009.

However, the charity's research also shows that more than seven million people aged over 55 may miss out on a trip abroad this year.

Mr Burke added that cruises along European rivers like the Danube and Moselle are proving popular among older people.