AGING POPULATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

Abstract

The world population is aging rapidly both in number and proportion of elderly population. According to the 2019 World Population Prospects report, “for the first time in world history, there were more people aged 65 than children under 5” in 2018. Aging trends worldwide is projected to continue until 2050. This socio-demographic shift has a significant impact on all sectors of society, including tourism. The paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges of aging for the tourism industry, the experiences of stakeholders around the world and lessons for Vietnam.