Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904
Issue link: https://metromag.epubxp.com/i/123617
Baby boomers are more independent and tech-savvy than their predecessors and want more meaningful experiences when they travel. Operators are using more technology to reach them and ofering flexibility with customizable tours. BY NICOLE SCHLOSSER, SENIOR EDITOR 54 < mETRO mAGAZINE MAY 2013 Photo courtesy Prevost s ome motorcoach carriers are experiencing a shift in the travel preferences of senior customers as baby boomers move into the senior group. Customers from this demographic want different experiences, which requires diferent marketing approaches. Baby boomers, between the years of 1946 and 1964, defned as people born post-World War II, are a more independent group than the generation before them. Operators say it's harder to get them out of their cars. According to the American Bus Association's report, "Baby boomers and future seniors: How to get them on motorcoaches" (2008), these seniors tend to be highly educated and want to "participate in meaningful activities such as receiving further education, volunteering and continuously working." Baby boomers also want "…experience-rich products and services. Travel…is particularly appealing to this market," according to the report. The report adds that for this demographic, the ability to design their own experience is key, describing "customization" as "essential to motorcoach tours targeting baby boomers." Baby boomers are embracing motorcoach travel to take advantage of the opportunity to have someone else do the planning and driving, spend time with friends and learn something new, Bronwyn Wilson, president, International Motor Coach Group, says. metro-magazine.com