The Department of Tourism and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop elderly-friendly tourism, which includes the promotion of “barrier-free-tourism” for senior citizens and enhancement of their digital literacy and access to online tourism platforms.
Also covered by the agreement are the conduct of senior artisan workshops and local product markets as well as tourism-linked wellness programs, establishment of homestay programs for seniors, promotion of culinary arts tourism, and the development of retirement villages and other age-appropriate tourism services.
“There are boundless opportunities for our senior citizens not only to enjoy the tourism products that we have in our country, but rather to be meaningful contributors to a tourism industry that thrives and continues to provide gainful livelihood for Filipinos,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.
NCSC officer-in-charge Mary Jean Loreche thanked the DOT for the partnership, saying it would prove to local and international visitors how much value Filipinos give to its elderly population.
Given that the global population is aging, there are opportunities galore when it comes to senior citizens and the elderly who are growing in numbers, financial capacity, health, and capabilities. Countries that can tap into that market and take advantage of those, particularly in terms of tourism, have the potential to develop a niche sector that benefits not only the senior citizens, but everyone in the industry as well, young and old.
With better coordination between the DOT and the NCSC, along with help from other government agencies and private sector groups, the development of elderly-friendly tourism in the country could be the start of a new wave of progress and development that could push the sector forward.*
