SILVER COAST. Increasingly active and keen on action-packed holidays, the ‘over-50s’ are choosing as their holiday destinations – whether for long summer breaks or weekend getaways – resorts along the Romagna Riviera and in other parts of Italy that offer tailor-made packages for this new generation of senior citizens.
A new generation, because modern grandparents often seem younger and more sprightly than young people; they don’t just look after their grandchildren, nor do they spend their free time merely playing cards or bocce. They seem to have been rejuvenated compared to our grandparents: they love holidays by the sea and in the sun, and perhaps a game of bocce, but in the evening they want to go out dancing, listen to music and dance with their friends. And if you visit the venues they frequent, you might even witness a few scenes of courtship from days gone by – the sort you no longer see amongst young people – with every attention paid to the lady they’re dancing with, and nothing left to chance.
Hoteliers in Rimini, and elsewhere, and tour operators are paying close attention to the rise of this ‘silver tourism’ phenomenon – these tourists, no longer in the prime of life, who nevertheless love to enjoy their retirement with tailor-made packages offering a ‘slow’ holiday at a less hectic pace, such as making more stops than on standard trips, to pause and stretch their legs during coach excursions – yet this does not mean the holiday is any less active or dynamic.
Among the most popular destinations are spa resorts and cities of art. Places such as Rimini allow you to fully enjoy a holiday that is both varied and suitable for people of all ages, including active grandparents. A holiday on the Adriatic coast perfectly combines the sea, art, spas, the good life and fine dining. A lovely holiday by the sea, an excursion into the hinterland to explore food and wine trails, or an evening with friends at one of the many dance halls featuring live music.
And there you have it: tourism served up on a plate!
