Although many Gen Zers plan to holiday more often in 2024 (iSeatz, 2023), budgets are tight. Globally, 76% of 18- to 25-year-old full-time students cite expenditure as a primary obstacle when it comes to planning travel (StudentUniverse, 2023). To combat their financial concerns, this cohort is seeking cost-effective travel hacks.

Gen Zers continue to turn to social media for travel inspiration. They’re also seeking streamlined digital services to book their vacations. Enter a slew of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features on helpful travel apps. Read Travel & AI: Top 3 Trends for more on how AI is revolutionising the tourism industry.

For Gen Zers, building meaningful connections is a key component of travelling. They’re using trips as opportunities to strengthen friendships and family bonds, as well as cultivate more meaningful relationships with themselves. Meanwhile, meeting new contacts also appeals, particularly among solo travellers.

Gen Zers’ love of food is reflected in their travel itineraries, with 56% globally saying that watching cooking shows inspires them to visit a new destination (Booking.com, 2023). With interest in experiencing regional cuisines far outweighing the desire to go clubbing, hospitality operators are cleverly providing nourishing, immersive and educational gastronomic experiences catered for younger travellers.

Sleep tourism is a booming industry: the global market is expected to grow by $409.8bn from 2023 to 2028 (HTF Market Intelligence, 2023). Gen Z travellers want in and are taking trips to relax and connect with their wellness goals. Meeting this desire, hotels and airlines are levelling up their sleep-focused amenities.