A proposal for a model of development in senior tourism working from stakeholder perceptions. The case of Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

This paper forwards a conceptual model for senior tourism development policies. It is based on the analysis of the ageing population in Mexico with examination of national policies and planning for senior tourism destinations using Tabasco as a case study (Mexico) and working from stakeholder perceptions (seniors, administrators of companies certified with the Distinctive G. Gerontological Tourism, public managers and the host community). The methodological design used was mixed but with an overall qualitative interpretive framework to achieve the main goal. Interviews with the three stakeholder groups and the local residents were conducted together with local residents. After analysis of the results, we designed our model of how the proposed senior tourist destinations should be developed for political consideration of the improvements required.