Motivation for Tourist Travels of Lesser Polish Seniors as Exemplified by the Students of Third Age Universities

Abstract

Purpose. The article aims at analysing the most significant determinants of seniors’ tourist travels in the Lesser Poland Voivodship based on the results obtained among students of Universities of the Third Age. Method. The method of diagnostic survey was used applying the auditory survey technique. The research was carried out at five Third Age Universities in four cities of the Lesser Poland Voivodship. Findings. The main motives for seniors’ participation in tourism were discussed taking the participants’ age, level of education and place of residence into account. Research and limitations conclusions. The research was carried out among students of Universities of the Third Age, widely regarded as the touristically most active ones among seniors. The preliminary results of research, which will be subjected to statistical analysis at subsequent stages, have been presented. Practical implications. The results of empirical research on the determinants of the tourist activity of seniors in the Lesser Poland Voivodship may be a contribution to adjusting the offer of trips to the expectations of this social group. Originality. Research on the tourist activity of seniors has so far been conducted in the Lesser Poland Voivodship to a limited extent and mainly concerned forms of recreation at the place of residence rather than the motives of travelling. The results of research on seniors living in settlement units of various sizes have been presented. Type of paper. An article based on empirical research.