Singapore: Health Tourism

For the travel industry, the over-55s represent a goldmine of opportunities and tour packages that offer therapeutic getaways is one of the ideas that could appeal to the silver generation.

Pua Song Kuan, 70, and Tung Kheng Hock, 72, have been to over 20 places between them since they retired nearly a decade ago.

China is a firm favorite for both, but Mr.Pua counted Zimbabwe among his more unusual destinations. "I'm traveling while I still can because I'm so old already.

If I like the food in a place, then why not go (there)?" said Mr. Pua. Mr Tung agreed. "I'm okay with spending the money. My daughter gives me money to go traveling, she says I'm so old already, (I) should travel more."

The silver population is making an impact on the travel industry. Bigger players such as Commonwealth Travel (CTC Holidays) and SA Tours reported a marked increase in business.

SA Tours said it has seen a 20 per cent growth in the number of elderly customers in the past year, with its China packages seeing a 30 per cent growth.

Some companies said although the numbers are too small to warrant elderly-specific packages, they have slowed the pace of the tours for them. Some travel agencies such as Commonwealth Travel will advise elderly customers of potential health risks, and may even request they go for a medical check-up before signing up.

One industry player said the health concerns of the elderly can also be a business opportunity. "Many of them are beginning to look at alternative (medical), health tourism. I've heard of people who must go back to Europe every year, going up to the Alps for some… therapeutic treatment and all that.

If you can cater products to meet this demand, I think there is a very, very good pool of senior travelers in Singapore who can provide three or four times travel a year, so I think that's a very, very important market not to be missed," said Insight Vacations’ Asia regional director Robin Yap.

Industry players believed events such as the Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition next January could help create more buzz within the industry, and the silver generation will soon have even more options for their next holiday. (Channel NewsAsia)