Tourism Promotion for Active Aging Tourist with perceived sense of Terra Incognita in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the novelty and the sense of Terra Incognita perceived by the Active Aging tourists as of their tourism experience. The result of this study was analyzed to identify types the experience in order to propose guidelines for tourism development and promotion policy for this group of tourists. This research has applied a qualitative research approach. The in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 Thai and foreign Active Aging tourists.  The results showed that recognition in sense of Terra Incognita occurred in places that have never been visited and visited before. It could be concluded into four types of motivation and experience, namely; the sense of challenge, the sense of excitement, and the sense of amazement.  In addition, the sense of nostalgia is also found in sense of Terra Incognita for places that have been visited. It can conclude that novelty is a significant component in all types of motivation and experience, which is based on semi-adventure activities, relations and friendship, cultural learning, being in nature, and experience in tourism services.  The level of novelty in the tourism experience is at a medium level, which is higher than the general elderly but not as high as the teenagers.  Public and private sectors should establish policies and activities to enhance the market potential for this group of tourists, both in the design of activities and tourism services, facilities and safety, and promoting tourism image.