Trip.com on How China's Older Travelers Are Shaking Up the Travel Scene
Skift Take
China’s senior travelers are changing the game in the travel industry. Trip.com Group reported that these users have spent over RMB 1.6 billion ($224.6 million) on its platform so far. To cater to this demographic, the company launched the Old Friends Club last quarter, targeting those aged 50 and above.
China has one of the fastest growing ageing populations in the world. The population of people over 60 years old in the country is projected to reach 28% by 2040.
“In 2023, group tours were popular among seniors,” said Jane Sun, CEO and director of Trip.com Group, at the earnings call on Tuesday. “But in 2024, we’re seeing a move towards customized tours. Seniors now want quality and new experiences.”
To help older travelers, Trip.com introduced a “family cloud” feature. This allows younger, tech-savvy family members to help their elders plan trips and book travel using their phones.
As China’s economy grows, senior travelers are spending more on mid to high-end travel. “This group is no longer about budget travel. They’re looking for mid to high-end experiences and more unique and quality experiences,” said Sun.
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