SOURCES OF TOURIST INFORMATION USED BY WOMEN 50+ WHEN ORGANISING TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL TRIPS

Abstract

Purpose. Recognition of tourist information sources used by women aged 50+ during the organisation of tourist and recreational trips. Showing the dependence of these sources on socio- professional traits and the material situation of the respondents. Method. Empirical studies on, inter alia, participation of women 50+ in tourist trips. The city of Poznań was the area of research. In total, 146 women aged 50+, students of Third Age Universities and members of Senior Clubs participated in the study. The basic research method was diagnostic survey supported by the auditorium survey and direct interview techniques. For comparative purposes, the secondary material analysis method published by the Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, was used. Findings. Research showed the interest of 50+ women in cheaper trip sources, and at the same time,, in forms of tourist information influencing the decision regarding tourist and recreational trips. These included: guides, brochures, tourist guides, oral communication from friends, the press and the Internet. The Internet indicated by the researched category as a source of tourist information may particularly motivate further in-depth research on the promotion of tourist services among seniors. Research and conclusions limitations. Empirical research on women 50+ from a large city was carried out via a case study. The obtained results correspond with similar nationwide surveys. Practical implications. The research results can be used to build tourist and recreational offers for seniors, through tourist offices, for organisers of these trips, such as Senior Clubs, church organisations. They can be used by local government authorities to create programmes for tourist and recreational activity of seniors. Originality. Showing sources of tourist information used by women 50+ depending on their socio-occupational characteristics and financial situation. Type of work. The article presents the results of empirical research and their discussion supported by literature. It is of empirical and theoretical nature.