Creating a senior-friendly tourism ecosystem
LETTER: At what age is someone officially considered as a senior citizen - 55, 60, 62 or 65? The answer depends on where you are and what you are paying for.
The article discusses the inconsistencies in the age thresholds for senior citizen discounts across various tourism businesses in Malaysia and other countries. While Malaysia's National Policy for Older Persons defines an older person as someone aged 60 and above, attractions such as Golden Screen Cinemas, Penang Hill, Sunway Lagoon, and Petrosains have different age requirements, ranging from 55 to 61.
The author, LIEW SIEN LEONG, a lecturer at the School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at Universiti Utara Malaysia, argues that a one-size-fits-all approach to senior discounts may not be the best solution for Malaysia's aging population. She suggests that the tourism industry could adopt a more nuanced approach by distinguishing between an official senior citizen entitlement and a broader senior tourism market.
This could involve offering off-peak discounts, weekday promotions, loyalty programs, and special packages for the 55-plus market, which could benefit both senior tourists and attractions. Ultimately, the article emphasizes that senior-friendly tourism should focus on providing accessible facilities, safe walkways, clear information, and helpful staff, rather than merely offering discounted tickets.
Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
