Ageing tourists, ageing destinations: tourism and demographic change in Japan

 This presentation will examine the influence of demographic changes on tourism from two aspects. On the supply side, many established tourist destinations go through a stage of decline that is connected not only to their ageing facilities, but also to the ageing of the population that provides services for tourists. Especially destinations in rural areas experience a process of population decline and ageing that make it difficult to cater for even the basic needs of tourists. Factors of decline but also tendencies of rejuvenation will be examined in different destinations.
On the demand side, demographic changes mean changes in travel behaviour. The share of the so-called silver market increases and destinations have to adapt to these demands. This part of the paper will look into patterns of travel and recreation according to age groups and how their changes affect the choice and structure of destination areas.

Dr. Carolin Funck, born in Freiburg, Germany. Study of Geography, History and German at Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, finished with a masters degree in 1986. From 1987 in Japan, teaching at Matsuyama University, Kōbe Gakuin University, Ritsumeikan University. Research on the development of tourism in peripheral areas of Japan; 1998 doctoral degree at Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg. Since 1998 assistant professor, then associate professor at Hiroshima University, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences. Teaching subjects: regional analysis, geography of Europe, human geography, exercise in area studies, sustainable regional development. Research topics: tourism geography, urban planning and citizen participation.