Just last week, Fortune Business Insight published their report on the global silver travel industry, citing how it is now worth close to US$1.87 trillion as of end-2025.

Consequently, if the market grows at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6 percent, we may see its worth soar to around US$2.07 trillion by the end of this year.

With the industry growing at such a rapid clip, it isn’t surprising that a number of countries are rolling out the red carpet for older travellers whilst ensuring that they have everything they need for a safe, comfortable, and memorable trip.

In today’s feature, we highlight the five nations that are at the forefront of the senior travel sector and see exactly what they do for the growing number of silver travellers.

Spain: Older people with more buying power

A 2026 report from Caixa Bank Research shows that consumers over the age of 65 now have purchasing power beyond the national average and are, consequently, responsible for a significant part of tourism spending both domestically and internationally.

Spanish silver travellers tend to go more for domestic trips, citing budgetary and health reasons when making their decision, but getting great value for their money in lesser-known destinations throughout the country.

Likewise, as Spain is rapidly rising as a centre for wellness and culture-driven slow tourism, older travellers from abroad are making their way over to regions like Tenerife where facilities are opening for preventive healthcare, healthy ageing, and general recovery from both stress and injury.

Thailand: Healing is still the new luxury

The Southeast Asian nation has long been a bastion for global medical tourism, so it isn’t surprising that it is a hub for older travellers seeking quality healthcare at more reasonable rates than in their home countries.

As a result, Thailand’s hospitality sector has stepped up its game in keeping with the growing popularity of wellness and rejuvenation retreats, offering a wide range of amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of senior guests.

Likewise, especially those flying in for medical procedures or therapy, the country also has facilities offering world-class assisted travel options for those staying for longer periods of time.

Japan: Super-ageing has its benefits

Given that the Land of the Rising Sun has the world’s oldest population with 29.3 percent of its people aged 65 and older, it has worked to develop a super-ageing environment from which the rest of the world could learn regarding accessibility.

Indeed, national institutions like JR Pass for rail travel offer ample ways for older travellers to get around, including barrier-free entry, the proliferation of lifts and mechanised walkways to ensure easier movement, and ample assistance from trained staff and volunteers.

Also, in smaller towns and cities, community centres open their doors to older travellers, be they local or foreign, engaging them in meaningful and immersive cultural activities.

Malaysia: A second home in Southeast Asia

For retirees seeking to leave their home nations for a proper change of scenery and pace, Malaysia could prove to be an unexpected boon.

The country’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has successfully drawn in older folk from overseas who wish to stay for the long term to enjoy an affordable yet high-quality way of life.

The fact that the country is listed among the world’s safest and most politically stable nations has added lustre to its reputation, as well as the excellence of its medical tourism facilities which have been a great help to older travellers.

China: Accessibility is a national priority

Last month, we did a feature on China’s silver tourism industry which is now considered a priority sector for its national government.

As of end-2025, over a million Chinese travellers over the age of 65 have made the most out of new innovations in rail travel that are specifically for their comfort, including dedicated train carriages outfitted with accessibility features and staffed with trained caregivers.

This, however, does not mean that it’s been smooth sailing for the Chinese silver tourism scene; far from it, as the country still needs to do something about digital illiteracy in an increasingly digital-centric economy, as well as measures regarding travel insurance and medical care on the go for older individuals.