고령시대 호텔의 기능 확장에 관한 연구

Study on the Functional Expansion of Hotels in the Age of Old

As of the end of 2019, the population of over 65 years old surpassed 8 million in Korea. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of residence hotels in the aging society to diversify hotel business and develop a senior market segment. A case study was conducted on residence facilities designed for retirees. In addition, a survey was conducted to identify the intention of staying at residence hotel - whether it is for travel, rest, and hobbies. The average age of respondents was 57, with a high proportion of women (70%) and men (30%). They were taking tourism classes at the University Lifelong Learning Center and, therefore, had high background knowledge of hotel and tourism field. Almost 73% of the respondents graduated from college or above. About 90% of the respondents answered positively (i.e., very likely and likely) when asked their intention to long-staying at the residence hotel. Further, Twenty-seven percent chose to spend between 1 to 1.5 million won per month for hotel fee. As far as expenses while staying at the residence hotel, 43% of participants indicated they spend about 500,000 to 1,000,000 won. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents indicated they spend less than 500,000 won per month on activities. In the multiple response questions of the most interested activities during the stay, 45 people (30%) chose leisure·culture activities, followed by health· sports activities, hobby ·education, and social service activities. Historically, the hotel’s main customers have shifted: from commercial to pure leisure travelers, from family travelers to single traveler, and now expanding to senior travelers. With this demographic trend, hotel and lodging industry should observe senior travel market more strategically.