Travel Goods Industry Pursues 50+ Market

PRINCETON, NJ - With air travel slowly approaching pre-9/11 numbers, the travel goods industry has been experiencing renewed growth during the past 12 months. This is not only reflected by the rise in dollar and unit sale purchases, but in the emergence of a new and growing market — the 50+ traveler. Thanks to good financial planning, many seniors now have the disposable income to spend on travel. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of seniors is growing so quickly that an estimated 77 million people are now 50 years of age or older, a number that's expected to increase to 100 million by the year 2010. Some of today's most innovative travel bags, which are currently being featured in the November/December issue of Travel Goods Showcase, not only offer consumers a functional item, but also allow them to move more effortlessly on their trips.

To meet this ever-increasing demand, travel goods manufacturers are placing a greater emphasis on form, fashion, and function. Several companies have introduced luggage with lightweight frames that reduce a bag's weight, but don't compromise its strength. Some of the newer handle systems now on the market are made to accommodate left- and right-handed people, or are available with easy grip features that allow arthritis sufferers to more easily maneuver their luggage. While the conventional way of transporting luggage has been to pull it, at least one company has redesigned its bags to be pushed instead of pulled. Made to function like a walking stick or cane, the luggage is designed with a downward force and has four-wheel and handle construction that allows it to support weight and roll easily in all directions.

Luggage is not the only product category that manufacturers targeting the senior market have addressed. There are many practical products that are extremely useful for 50+ travelers, including pill organizers that help keep medicine together, neon tags and straps that help luggage to be more easily spotted on airport carousels, disposable underwear, compression socks that reduce swelling for long airline or automobile trips, combination seats and travel canes for long lines at the airport, large print luggage locks, hats that offer protection against the sun, and travel flashlights for unfamiliar hotel rooms.

The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags, and other products for people who travel.

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association at 609-720-1200, ext. 205, John Misiano at john@travel-goods.org or request a copy of the November/December issue of Travel Goods Showcase for a closer look at the newest products for senior travelers.