Active Retirement Ireland is calling for action from the government and the Irish Hotels Federation in support of older people’s right to dignity, safety and fairness when taking hotel breaks in Ireland.
The charity says that a lack of accessible, age-friendly bathroom facilities in hotels across the country as well as increasing single-supplement charges on rooms for solo travellers disproportionately exclude older people from hotel travel and must be addressed.
Active Retirement Ireland Head of Policy and Programmes Alison Bough said: “We are hearing from many of our members that they are being hit with exorbitant single supplements fees, or dealing with inadequate bathroom accessibility such as low toilets or over-bath showers that put them at risk of serious injury — all of which pose significant barriers to travel.
“Simple changes like walk-in showers can make all the difference for someone’s independence and confidence, not to mention safety, and tackling unfair pricing structures will help ensure that no one is priced out of enjoying later life.
“As people get older, they are far more likely to live alone. The most recent Census data shows that more than a quarter of people in Ireland aged 65 and older live alone, with this figure increasing with age. It should be no surprise that older people —a great many of whom are on modest, fixed incomes — are disproportionately impacted by single supplement pricing models. While there are some hotels in Ireland who are really leading the way here, it needs to be across the board.
“We all like to get away now and then. Age-inclusive travel isn’t a luxury — it’s a right.”
Active Retirement Ireland CEO Fran Brennan said: “This is about choice and equality. Older people should be able to travel comfortably and affordably without having to compromise their safety or pay a financial penalty for travelling alone, and yet, our members are telling us that these are the realities they face. It’s time the hospitality sector caught up with the needs of our ageing population.”
Older people are valuable contributors to Irish society and to our economy. Older travellers and solo travellers are also two of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism market. Recent figures show that over-65s now account for nearly 24% of all tourism nights across the EU, while solo travel is rising steadily among people aged 50 and older. These are growing, valuable customer groups for the hospitality industry.
Active Retirement Ireland is now calling on the Irish Hotels Federation and the Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD, to engage with the organisation and support the introduction of age-friendly design standards and a fairer approach to pricing for solo travellers.