COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL CHALLENGES AMONG ELDERLY TRAVELLERS IN CHINA AND MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/JTHEM.1144015Keywords:
Comparative Analysis, Elderly Traveller, Travel ChallengesAbstract
With the ageing of global populations, elderly tourism has become a prominent and expanding industry segment, especially in Asia. This study aims to do a comparative analysis of the challenges encountered by older travellers in China and Malaysia, two nations that are undergoing significant demographic transitions towards an ageing population. Employing a qualitative research approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were performed with 20 older travellers (10 from each nation) to investigate their travel experiences and challenges. Research indicates common challenges including physical and health constraints, accessibility barriers, technological unfamiliarity, susceptibility to frauds, and nuanced instances of age discrimination. Notable distinctions were observed: Malaysian respondents prioritised religious and nutritional requirements, whereas Chinese participants underscored the significance of rest intervals and pacing. The study offers practical insights for governments, tourism providers, and destination managers to tackle these difficulties and create inclusive, safe, and enjoyable travel experiences for elderly travellers.
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