THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF THE ELDERLY TOURIST SEGMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PILGRIMAGE TOURISM

This article explores the economic significance of the elderly tourist segment within the context of pilgrimage tourism. As global demographics shift towards an aging population, the "Silver Economy" presents a unique opportunity for religious and cultural destinations. The study focuses on the "multiplier effect," analyzing how spending by elderly pilgrims influences regional income, employment, and infrastructure development. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis, the paper demonstrates that elderly tourists, characterized by longer stays and higher loyalty, contribute more significantly to the local economy than younger cohorts. The findings suggest that optimizing pilgrimage infrastructure for the elderly can lead to sustainable regional economic growth.