Travel keeps you young, inspired and enriched – and with the U.S. population of seniors continuing to grow, there exists an excellent opportunity for travel agents to further develop their business. Today’s seniors are living life to the fullest – they’ve already been to many major tourism sites and are expanding their horizons by embarking on active global journeys to destinations holding exotic appeal.
Savvy, strategic-minded travel agents know that active, affluent senior travelers have the time, desire and finances to be global adventurers, and they are presenting this market with exciting travel options. When selling to today’s active senior clients, consider the distinctive experiences only to be found in Australia and New Zealand – they captivate and engage in countless ways.
Australia – Delve Into Adventure Down Under
Walk the Giant Stairway through the picturesque Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains National Park. Start a three-mile trek from Echo Point, heading toward the cliffs of the Three Sisters, navigating steep gradients and then nearly 1,000 steps down to the bottom.
Take a helicopter ride over Uluru (Ayers Rock), a massive UNESCO World Heritage Site sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory. Explore around the rock’s base or embark on camel tours at sunrise or sunset and be awed by the intense red and orange colors.
Admire sandstone domes, lush greenery and 360-degree views of extraordinary scenery on the challenging 3.7 mile Rim Walk to the top of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
Embark on exhilarating air boat safari tours in the Mary River Wetlands and try to spot crocodiles, birdlife, lotus flowers and blankets of reeds.
Not every experience raises the heart rate, but they are equally compelling to active-minded seniors. TravelBound, a leading supplier of FIT travel to destinations worldwide, offers a Hunter Valley Wine and Food Tour of Australia’s oldest and most renowned commercial wine-producing district. Travelers stroll the vineyards of boutique wineries and sample premium varieties, including shiraz, semillon, chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir.
Active Pursuits Distinguish New Zealand
Take a heli-hike – a combination helicopter ride and glacier hike – atop Fox Glacier. See Victoria Falls, ice caves, arches and other stunning scenery in this ever-changing natural environment.
Queenstown is an adventure paradise for active-minded senior travelers with seemingly endless water, land and air pursuits. There’s bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, jet-boat rides along the Shotover and Dart Rivers, river rafting, hiking, biking, skydiving, off-road driving and skiing, to name a few.
Ride the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, known as the island of wine, for exploration of vineyards and wine tasting. Combine this “adventure of the palate” with Waiheke’s fun-filled offerings, from kayaking, sailing and fishing to biking, horseback riding and zip lining.
The Kauri Coast beckons visitors for surfing, swimming, fishing and coastal walks. Swim in Kai lwi Lakes, explore Ripiro Beach, and hike in Waipoua Forest, home to some of the oldest kauri trees.
Sometimes a thrill to the senses is just the right amount of activity, especially during an itinerary packed with hiking, biking and swimming. Celebrating New Zealand’s spectacular landscape, TravelBound’s Milford Sound Day Tour brings travelers through the picturesque Egligton Valley, on a boat cruise to see waterfalls and the wonders of Mitre Peak, and on a twin-engine aircraft ride passing stunning scenery.
Australia and New Zealand offer incredible active experiences for affluent senior travelers, and these activities only scratch the surface of what can be arranged. When travel agents make selling international destinations to this potentially lucrative market an important part of their business strategy, they are likely to continue on a solid path to profitability.