Imserso trips were, from its origin, much more than a holiday programme: they opened the doors of tourism to a whole generation of older people who had not had the opportunity to travel. Today, in an increasingly digital society, the challenge is not to teach them how to use technology, but to design it to make their lives easier and improve their experiences.
Today's elderly book hotels, use video calls, share photos on networks or consult routes online. They are digital, but they ask for something essential: that the tools be clear, friendly and accessible. Innovation, therefore, must be put at their service, ensuring that tourism remains an experience of inclusion, well-being and human connection.
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Imserso trips: technology that accompanies and simplifies
Senior tourism is evolving at the pace of a more connected society. New older travellers are looking for authentic, safe experiences adapted to their pace, where technology does not replace proximity, but rather enhances it.
The key is to integrate innovation with empathy: tools that simplify processes, remove barriers, and build trust.
Assisted navigation with AR
Augmented reality (AR) is one of the most promising technologies for improving the autonomy of older people during their travels. Through apps or smart glasses, AR offers visual or audio information in real time: from how to move around a station to discovering curious facts about a museum.
Projects like NavMarkAR explore this possibility, showing how technology can guide without overwhelming.
Conversational chatbots
Tourism chatbots are already a reality in many destinations and hotels, and their potential for senior tourism is enormous. These digital assistants converse naturally, offer useful information, recommend activities and, above all, provide support and confidence throughout the trip.
Beyond practical assistance, chatbots help reduce the feeling of loneliness and reinforce the autonomy of the older traveler. In the Imserso programs, they could become true "virtual companions".
Accessible guidance systems
Traveling safely and freely is critical. Accessible guidance solutions, such as NaviLens technology, transform mobility for the elderly, visually impaired, or hearing impaired.
Through color codes that are easily read by mobile phones, this technology offers audio or text messages that guide the visitor in real time. Its application in stations, museums or urban centers allows an inclusive and barrier-free tourist experience, where each person can move autonomously.
Accessible apps and websites
Digital design is also part of inclusion. The new accessible apps and websites incorporate large fonts, simple menus, high-contrast colors and clear language.
This reduces cognitive load and allows more seniors to feel comfortable and more agile when booking, viewing information, or planning their trip.
Traveling is also inclusion and emotional well-being
Innovation not only transforms the practical experience of travel, but also its most human dimension. Travelling continues to be a source of well-being, connection and self-esteem, and the Imserso continues to be an example of social inclusion.
Initiatives are emerging throughout Europe that reinforce this approach: intergenerational programmes, shared cultural activities or collaborative workshops where older people become the protagonists. These projects not only promote active ageing, but also revalue the social role of the senior traveller.
From Portugal to Finland: European inspiration for better travel
- Portugal Inovação Social finances inclusive tourism projects for the elderly, combining digitalisation and social cohesion.
- Finland promotes silver tourism, with nature experiences adapted to the abilities and preferences of each traveler.
- Spain, with Imserso as a benchmark, is moving towards a more digital and accessible model, where innovation does not replace personal attention, but reinforces it.
And in this context, the Costa del Sol stands out as an ideal destination for Imserso trips: mild climate, adapted infrastructures, cultural offer and a clear commitment to accessibility make this province an example of inclusive tourism and well-being for all ages.
The future of senior tourism: technology at the service of people
The elderly are more digitalised than ever, but the real challenge for tourism is to continue providing them with the tools to keep travelling easy, safe and exciting.
The future of senior tourism will not only be more technological: it will be more human, more participative and more aware. Because innovation makes no sense without inclusion, and the Imserso trips will continue to demonstrate that travelling at any age is a right, a joy and a way to live fully.
