ATTRACTIVE HOTELS FOR SENIOR GUESTS: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ALGARVE REGION

Authors

  • Wilson Zacarias Figueiredo IST
  • João Branco Pedro LNEC
  • Margarida Rebelo LNEC
  • Carla Cachadinha LNEC

Keywords:

Senior Guest, Algarve, Hotels, Senior tourism, Seasonality

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study about the characteristics that hotels should have in order to meet the needs and expectations of senior guests. The study was based on interviews with six directors from 4- and 5-star hotels located in the Algarve region.

The results indicate that senior guests do not appreciate being treated as a distinct group and are looking for hotels used by guests of all ages. However, senior guests particularly value aspects such as: being welcomed and treated with familiarity; having peaceful places away from the bustle where they can relax; feel safe in the hotel and the surrounding public spaces; having access to health advice if needed; walking in levelled and clear pathways; having access to entertainment activities in the hotel; being able to integrate organized activities outside the hotel; and keeping regular schedules while they are staying in the hotel and when they engage in other activities. In addition, senior guests are particularly sensitive to environmental comfort conditions in rooms, including acoustic comfort, thermal comfort, sights and sun exposure.

Author Biographies

  • Wilson Zacarias Figueiredo, IST
    Arquitecto, Aluno de doutoramento
  • João Branco Pedro, LNEC
    Arquitecto, Investigador Auxiliar, Investigador convidado da TUDelft
  • Margarida Rebelo, LNEC
    Psicóloga Social, Investigadora Auxiliar
  • Carla Cachadinha, LNEC
    Arquitecta, Assistente da FA-UTL, Estagiária de Doutoramento

Published

22.01.2012

Issue

Section

Papers/Extended Abstracts in Portuguese

How to Cite

Figueiredo, W. Z., Pedro, J. B., Rebelo, M., & Cachadinha, C. (2012). ATTRACTIVE HOTELS FOR SENIOR GUESTS: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ALGARVE REGION. Tourism & Management Studies, 565-578. https://tmstudies.net/index.php/ectms/article/view/222

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