Investigating the Memorable Experiences of the Senior Travel Market: An Examination of the Reminiscence Bump

The importance of the senior travel market has been well-recognized by tourism marketers and researchers. While academic studies have begun to examine the psychological aspects of senior travelers, more progress must be made to investigate the psychology of memory, particularly with respect to the r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of travel & tourism marketing 2011-04, Vol.28 (3), p.331-343
Main Authors: Tung, Vincent Wing Sun, Ritchie, J. R. Brent
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marketing
memorable experience
Memory
Older people
Psychological aspects
reminiscence bump
Seniors
Studies
Tourism
Travel
travel experience
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Summary:The importance of the senior travel market has been well-recognized by tourism marketers and researchers. While academic studies have begun to examine the psychological aspects of senior travelers, more progress must be made to investigate the psychology of memory, particularly with respect to the reminiscence bump, behind the nature of their memorable experiences (MEs). In-depth interviews with 42 respondents revealed five characteristics: identity formation, family milestones, relationship development, nostalgia reenactment, and freedom pursuits. Finally, the practical implications of this study are discussed and several avenues for future research are proposed.
ISSN:1054-8408
1540-7306
DOI:10.1080/10548408.2011.563168