Over 60 'may wish to go to property in Bulgaria'

A large proportion of people over the age of 60 who are free from mortgage burdens may wish to stay in accommodation abroad, which could include property in Bulgaria, a sector specialist states.

Ray Jones, head of communications at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, says this particular demographic is a "big chunk" of the market, as they have the money free to spend on a home overseas.

"That market is not affected as much as the other markets so marketers need to segment and look at the people who are not as affected by the recession," he explains.

Mr Jones adds that airlines and owners of commercial property in Bulgaria must also consider that this age group is not restricted to travelling in school holidays, so planes can be filled at times normally considered off-peak.

According to recent research conducted by Frommer's Unlimited, the most important factors for people planning a trip to stay in property abroad are price, special interest activities and weather, which may boost the appeal of property in Bulgaria.