Study: The 55+ to Power German Tourism, Greece a Favorite Destination

Over-55s are expected to be the driving force of German tourism this year, according to a study by the British American Tobacco’s (BAT) Foundation for Future Studies (FFS).

According to the annual report, tour operators should focus on a new target group: the so-called “young-old”. A decade ago, German pensioners who travelled made up 44 percent of the total number of tourists compared to 50 percent today.

Travellers between 50 and 64 as well as childless couples aged 25-49, the study found, are more likely to travel and spend more per trip.

The report, which was carried out for the German market and identifies trends in tourism, found that the over-55 segment of the population is rapidly increasing and keener on travelling.

Greece comes eighth in the 55+ preferences for 2015. The first three destinations of choice were Spain, Italy and Turkey.

Last year, German travellers spent on average 1,071 euros for a 12-day holiday. Daily allowance in Greece came to 90 euros, 89 euros in Turkey, 97 euros in Spain and 92 euros in Italy.