Senior Tourism – Opportunity and Challenges of Accommodation Facilities in the Context of an Aging Population, Based on the Example of Krynica-Zdrój in Poland

Abstract

Demographic changes related to the aging of the population affect many aspects of our lives. The prolonged life expectancy, the decreasing number of births and the development of medicine and universal access to medical services mean that the age structure of the population is changing. A wide group of recipients is a chance for development for many enterprises connected with senior and spa tourism. The purpose of the work was to show the regularity and perspective of the development of the senior tourism in Krynica- Zdrój. The work involved the analysis of Internet offers of accommodation facilities in terms of the specially prepared, dedicated programmes for seniors. We were interested in the types of offers, discount packages, possibilities of activity and leisure, as well as facilities and accommodation facilities for the elderly. From among the entire accommodation base in Krynica-Zdrój, based on data from the Krynica Tourist Organization from 2017, we analysed accommodation facilities (221), including: 4-star hotels (6), 3-star hotels (3), guesthouses (11), sanatoriums (14), holiday resorts (65), wooden houses (8), private accommodation (107), shelters (2), and a hostel. The research shows that the market for senior tourism is not yet fully formed. Senior tourism has been surpassed by health tourism, well-developed in Krynica-Zdrój. Owners of facilities should, however, pay attention to and specify a diverse number of offers for seniors. By expanding the company’s range of services addressed to seniors, it is possible to improve the promotion of the accommodation facility, thus increase the sale of accommodation.