Business · Companies · 9 hrs ago
Spain’s tourism sector sees growth opportunity in travellers over 55
Tourism leaders in Spain see older travellers as a growing market as people live longer and travellers over 55 have varied interests and expectations.
At a gathering in Salou, organisers and industry representatives discussed how tourism businesses can adapt their offers to this group.
More than half of people over 65 travelled in 2025, up from 49.3% in 2019, according to figures cited at the event.
Seventy-nine per cent of people over 55 expect to take a leisure trip in 2026.
Catalonia’s business and labour minister said senior tourism generates €1.3 billion in the region and accounts for 35% of its tourism activity.
He said these travellers spend 25% more than average and stay 40% longer, which could help spread tourism beyond peak seasons.
Speakers said the sector needs to understand older travellers’ different needs and adapt its services; the event presented a study of their habits and preferences.
Spain’s tourism sector is seeing travellers over 55 as a growing opportunity, according to a conference organised by the Más Sénior Foundation.
Participants said providers need to adapt to a more diverse, active and demanding group of older travellers.
They said senior tourism could help spread travel demand across the year and support more balanced growth.
A study presented at the event found that 79% of people over 55 expect to take a leisure trip in 2026.
Catalonia’s business and labour minister said senior tourism accounts for 35% of the region’s tourism activity.
- Who
- Spain’s tourism sector and travellers over 55.
- What
- A conference examined the growth opportunities and challenges of senior tourism.
- When
- Friday, 6 November 2026.
- Where
- Salou, Catalonia, Spain.
- Why
- Longer lifespans and changing expectations are expanding the market, which could help spread tourism activity across the year.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The share of people over 65 who travelled was 49.3%, according to data cited in the study.
The share of people over 65 who travelled rose to 55.4%, according to data cited in the study.
The Más Sénior Foundation held a conference on senior tourism in Salou and presented its study.
79% of people over 55 said they expected to take a leisure trip during the year.
- Age group
- Travellers over 55
- Travelled in 2025
- 55.4% of people over 65
- Travelled in 2019
- 49.3% of people over 65
- Expected leisure travel in 2026
- 79% of people over 55
- Catalonia tourism activity
- Senior tourism represents 35%
- Catalonia economic impact
- €1.3 billion
What people are saying
el turismo sénior y la desestacionalización del sector
Las personas séniors no solo son receptores de pensiones y ayudas, son también consumidores con experiencia y capacidad económica.
Estamos ante un turismo sin prisa, con un gasto un 25% superior a la media y estancias un 40% más largas