The need, for care and support services for senior tourists in Malta and Gozo : an explanatory study

Abstract

Despite that elderly are becoming more active, it is still a known fact that seniors as they become older they will require special assistance to meet their unique needs. The purpose of this study is to (i) explore what the stakeholders identify as the senior tourists’ needs and what is being done in the tourism industry to meet these needs;

(ii) to explore the needs of senior tourists by asking them about their first hand experience whilst travelling, with specific regards to Malta (iii) to analyse the gap that exists between the stakeholders and senior’s perspectives regarding their expectations, and services being offered in Malta and Gozo.

On carrying out a thematic content analysis, twelve themes emerged, these were divided into two sections; one section regarding the Stakeholders and another section for the seniors’ responses. The themes for the stakeholders were: ‘Characteristics of senior tourists’, ‘Senior tourist needs while travelling’, ‘Care and support services that are being offered by the stakeholders’, ‘Promotion of the services’ , ‘Trained industry’, and ‘Project and future aspirations’. While for the seniors the themes were: ‘Senior tourist needs and services,’ ‘Travel constraints,’ ‘Challenging factors,’ Reasons to travel,’ ‘Senior expectations at a destination.’ and ‘Reasons to visit Malta’. The findings derived from the data that was analysed in Chapter 4 and discussed in Chapter 5.

The stakeholders expressed that the senior market is relatively new and expanding at a fast rate and reference was also made to the current statistics. There are a number projects currently being undertaken regarding accessibility awareness. Through the results of the research study the main issue identified was how relative information regarding the services that stakeholders offer to meet the needs of seniors, is provided to the elderly. It is important to note that the constraints that were mentioned were not only related to accessibility matters but other issues were brought up such as financial barriers.

Importance should also be given to the employees’ training so that they could be more informed on how they could handle the needs of the elderly. This could be done through proper professional guidance.

The fact that senior tourism is still an evolving market, more studies should be made to ensure that Malta is providing the ultimate care and support service experience.