An overwhelming 93 per cent of young travelers specifically Generation Alpha and Generation Z are actively involved in shaping their family’s vacation plans, according to a study. Interestingly, these young travelers are eager to explore both local and international destinations, showing a growing interest in cultures beyond Asia.
Their preferred travel destinations include India (34%), Singapore (28%), the USA (22%), and Australia and the UK (17%), said the “Small Voices, Big Choices: Hilton 2025 Trends Report” .
Revealing that these younger generations are emerging as key decision-makers, influencing destinations and activities, the report notes that in India, 76 per cent of parents base their travel choices on their children’s interests, demonstrating the power of youth preferences in shaping family trips. Generation Alpha, those aged 14 and under, comprises a quarter of India’s population, while Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, makes up 30 per cent.
Although young travelers play a significant role in selecting activities and destinations, parents still handle logistical decisions like transportation (44 per cent), dining (40 per cent), and accommodation (32 per cent). The report notes that young travelers in India take an average of two to three trips per year, with 94 per cent traveling at least once annually. Looking ahead, 90 per cent of these youths plan to travel in the coming year, highlighting a strong demand for travel among younger generations.
In contrast, millennials (Generation Y) tend to favor familiar Asian destinations for comfort and convenience, such as Japan and the Maldives. This generational shift is prompting the travel industry to innovate, creating more immersive and culturally enriching experiences that align with the values of these younger travelers.
Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president of brand management for Asia Pacific at Hilton, said that the preferences of Generation Alpha and Z are reshaping the travel landscape. “The demand for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences is prompting the travel industry to innovate.
This shift reflects a broader trend where younger generations seek not just to visit places but to engage with them in a deeper, more authentic manner.”
The findings are based on two surveys: a global Ipsos poll and an APAC-focused OnePoll survey, indicating a comprehensive analysis of travel trends among young people in India and beyond.
While the Ipsos survey sampled 13,001 adults (18+) across 13 countries, the OnePoll survey included 8,000 Gen Z and Millennial parents (born in or before 1981) with children aged 6 to 19, from Australia, mainland China, India, Japan, and Singapore, said the report.
