CCTV News: Today (February 11), the Ministry of Commerce and nine other units issued the "Action Plan on the Increase of Silver-Haid Tourism Trains and Promoting the Development of Service Consumption". In 2024, a total of 1,860 tourist trains were launched nationwide, with passengers accounting for nearly 80%.
In accordance with the "Action Plan", by 2027, a Yinfa Tourism Train Product System will be built, with a total of Yinfa Tourism Train Service Standard System, covering the whole country, diversified routes, rich themes and comprehensive services, and a number of themed tourism train brands will be formed. The number of Yinfa Tourism Trains and passenger transport volume will be significantly increased compared with 2024.
The Action Plan specifically proposes to strengthen the guarantee of aging-friendly facilities, and requires the research and formulation of technical standards for the aging-friendly and comfortable transformation of Yinfa tourist trains and relevant standards for train services, and improve and implement the construction standards for barrier-free facilities for newly built railway stations. On a silver-haired tourist train with the theme of "Spring Flowers", a KTV, a chess and card room, and a reading area were set up in the car. The train has undergone aging-friendly renovations, and the shower room and bathroom are equipped with anti-slip cushions and silicone handrails.
The policy proposes that medical, elderly care professional service personnel and emergency medicines should be arranged on the train. The medical expenses incurred on the train can be settled in medical insurance and medical treatment in other places according to the designated medical institution’s registered place as the place of medical treatment. The train provides blood pressure and blood sugar measurement services, and the passenger housekeeper is responsible for explaining attractions, carrying luggage, delivering meals to private rooms, etc., so that the elderly can enjoy a high-quality travel life.
The policy proposes to explore tourism resources along the railway and create brand silver-haired tourism routes. Launch quality, comfortable and affordable tourist train products to meet the diverse needs of the elderly. The Yinfa Tourism Special Train adopts the tourism model of "cars follow people, night and day trips", deeply integrates tourism and train travel, and is deeply sought after by elderly tourists.
Experts said that the Action Plan provides policy support to further release the consumption potential of the silver hair group, meet the diversified consumption needs of the silver hair group, promote the iterative upgrade of the business model.
