Smart age-friendly city in the context of seasonal migration of senior residents. The case of Benidorm

Abstract

Benidorm is one of the most popular Spanish destinations for seasonal migrants, especially seniors, in the winter season. This article discusses the evolution of age-friendly smart cities in the context of the seasonal migration of the elderly on the example of Benidorm. Benidorm is one of the global leaders in implementing the concept of a smart city and a smart destination (SD) (Coban & Aydın, 2020). The aim of the article was to confront the urban renewal programs implemented in Benidorm with the concept of an age-friendly city according to the definition proposed by the WHO (2007). The concept of an age-friendly city and a smart destination was defined, and the presented results can assist European tourist destinations in targeting their urban renewable policies at seasonal migrants in response to the progressive aging of the population.