Hotel offer adjustments for senior citizen guests: perception of Swiss hoteliers

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire-based exploratory survey among hoteliers in Switzerland, measuring their perception of the senior clientele. These hoteliers were also asked about the specific arrangements they have made in the past for the senior customers, as well as the investments they have undertaken. The main finding is that, even though the senior segment is recognised by most hoteliers as being potentially profitable, a less than flattering image of this customer category seems to have dissuaded a great number of Swiss hoteliers from concentrating a lot of effort and resources on adapting their products and services to this customer segment. This bad image (serious physical handicaps, problems in cohabitation with other clients) deserves to be corrected. Besides, the wish of senior tourists for a personalised product and service should be taken into account by Swiss hoteliers in their future investments and offers aimed at the senior guests.