Travel patterns of elderly create new economic opportunities

It is well-known that thousands of elderly people from northern part of China travel long distances to spend winter in the south. But the reverse - south to north in summer - holds promise, according to a travel industry professional.

"As the elderly population increases, the senior-care industry is embracing innovation," said Xu Xiaolei, chief branding officer at Aoyou.com, an online booking website. He called south-to-north travel during the hot season an innovative idea.

A survey conducted by Xu's company found that the number of non-Heilongjiang mobile phone users who traveled to Heilongjiang last year had jumped 25 percent over the previous year.

China Youth Travel Service has run a summer train tour for seniors to northeastern regions since 2010, helping them avoid hot weather.

Short-term travel is good, but the long-term "migratory senior" service requires a whole package of services, Xu said.

"It won't work if a few real estate agencies only build fancy houses in third- or fourth-tier counties and sell them to seniors. Those who can afford 'migratory' services are upper-middle class, have money and are educated. They will get bored in a week if they just sit in the countryside and gaze at the clear sky," Xu said. "Services such as suitable entertainment and medical services, should be included."