Senior-friendly tours catch on as Singapore ages

Some travel agencies offer slower-paced itineraries with more loo breaks, rest stops

- Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

(SILVER HORIZON TRAVEL CO-OPERATIVE)

Whenever wanderlust hits retired human resources professional Tan Tock Chen, the 77-year-old turns to a group of experts in the business of crafting holidays for seniors.

This includes boutique travel agencies like Follow Me Japan and Intriq Journey, which can customise slower-paced itineraries for smaller groups of eight to 10 people.

These itineraries not only factor in more toilet breaks and rest stops, but also emphasise the importance of good food, said Mr Tan.

"Unlike younger travellers, we are not into rushing around and buying clothing, shoes or little souvenirs, he said. "We are more interested in local culture and snacks."

As Singapore's seniors grow in numbers, some travel agencies like ISE Travel said they see strong growth potential in targeting this segment, given that more of them are staying active for longer, while having the financial resources to explore the world on their own terms.