Pilot Project: Djerba Focuses on Chinese Senior Tourism

Senior tourism is one of the sectors is experiencing major changes due to the aging population, especially in Europe, traditional market destination Tunisia. It is within the framework of the International Association of Third Age Universities (AIUTA), of which the Hotel Seabel Rym Beach is a member, that an international conference dedicated to the Study Tour, Seniors held in Djerba on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

On the program of the conference: The importance of the Seniors population in the world tourist arrivals, the birth and development of the program “study tours” for Seniors, Djerba ideal destination for seniors, …

To date, a pilot project has been set up by the Association, the Rym Beach Hotel, the regional federations and the civil society of Djerba. It will be presented to the various operators and stakeholders in Djerba. The project is part of an exchange program between U3A of Djerba and Shandong Province. It will be unveiled shortly and the experience begins eminently.
Why are seniors from China?

In 2012, the number of senior citizens in China over 65 years old has 185 million, which represent 13.7% of the total population of the country. This figure is higher than the number of senior in Europe, and it is even more than the total number of senior in Africa, America and Oceania. According to the estimate, by 2030, the proportion of seniors in China between 60-65 years will be 22.3% and that of over 65 years will be 15.2%. And in 2040, the proportions will be respectively 25% and 20%. By 2050, the number of senior citizens over 60 years of age is 40 million whose ration of the total population of China will exceed 25.2%.

According to some estimates and reports, China’s total receipts for seniors are between US $ 50 billion and US $ 66 billion, which are their retirement pensions, donations from friends or relatives, and so on. Between 2025 and 2050, the purchasing power of the senior will reach 5000 billion RMB, or 823 billion US dollars.

Focus on training and exchange

IAUTA is the first university for seniors in the world. It was founded in 1973 and brings together the universities of the third age of all continents. Its action to defend the cause of elders through lifelong training through exchanges between universities but above all by innovations in terms of pedagogy and scientific research. Object of the project: to offer the elderly a program of activities that would respect the conditions, needs and aspirations of this age of life.

Mixing Chinese and senior market is paramount. The 20 year-old niche market is changing and becoming dynamic. This segment no longer reflects the cliché of the elderly person who remains alone at home but rather on the contrary referring to a tourist in line with nature, well-being, cultural immersion …. With in background, all attractiveness of a medical destination or likely to carry small and medium medical assistance in hotel or hospital environment, Tunisia has everything to develop a niche carrier.