Health conscious over-fifties are driving growth in adventure tourism and providers in the sector are likely to enjoy even further demand due to the changing demographics in Irish society. Such were the findings presented at Fáilte Ireland’s National Adventure and Activity Forum which took place earlier this month and was attended by representatives from Mayo’s tourism and activity breaks trade.
Over the next 20 years, the growth rate in the number of adults in the 50–69 age group is set to more than double that of the 16 to 49 year age group. With recent research indicating that the markets for greatest potential growth in activity tourism are actually families and older people who prefer the types of activities Ireland is best placed to offer, the image of the typical adventure-orientated tourist as some type of snow-boarding adrenaline junkie has consequently been shown to be a myth.
Research presented at the event cited new lifestyle trends, such as the emergence of affluent active families and adventurous over 50-year-olds, as contributing significantly to growing activity based holidays in the future – creating a strong market in particular for beginners and the casual participant.
“We are all more health conscious now and activity breaks are no longer strictly the preserve of the young or adventurous,” said Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland. “All our visitors from home or overseas now expect to be able to access a wide variety of things to do — whether it is French cyclists, British anglers, or American hill-walkers, Ireland needs to be in a position to provide diversity and variety to cater for all ages and levels.”
The CEO added that Fáilte Ireland is committed to developing this sector of tourism to ensure that it can provide experiences and holidays at the cutting edge. “There is no reason why Ireland should not be on the map for anyone in search of new experiences and challenges.”
