Global demographic trends and effects on tourism

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to try to assess the impact of demographic phenomena on the development of tourism in the world. It also attempts to describe the role and significance of transformations affecting tourist trips and highlights the most interesting problems and dilemmas that may become the subject-matter of further studies and investigations. Design/Methodology/Approach: Basic dynamics and correlation indicators were used in the research. Statistical data was taken from reports of the United Nations and World Tourism Organization. Findings: The results of a correlation analysis indicate that among the demographic factors, the greatest impact on the intensity of tourist traffic is primarily the extension of the life of the population.The demographic profiles of individual tourism market segments will lead to a clear differentiation of the services offered by tourism enterprises. Some other tendencies observed currently are the growing significance of one’s own safety, the increasing ethical concerns related to environmental protection, and the growing tendency to engage in interactive communication. Practical Implications: The presented results are important for individual countries as well as for global organisations. The detailed conclusions drawn from this study can be useful in developing the optimal tourist offers for the different demographic target groups, particularly the elderly, whose share will keep growing due to the general aging of the global population. Originality/Value: The added value of the paper is an attempt to systematize knowledge about the most important aspects of the present demographic changes and their effects on the development of tourism. It also describes the role and significance of transformations affecting tourist trips and highlights the most interesting problems and dilemmas that may become the subject-matter of further studies.