Thursday, August 22, 2024 Indian Gen Z travelers in 2024 are redefining travel with AI-driven planning, budget-conscious choices, and a focus on unique experiences, reveals Booking.com . India’s Generation Z is reshaping the travel scene today.
Those born from 1995 to 2010 regard traveling as an essential part of their lifestyle, with 83% feeling their most authentic selves while on the move. They seek culturally rich, immersive, and novel experiences and value flexible travel options. Whether it involves traveling with peers, embarking on solo adventures, or discovering various budget-friendly lodging options, Booking.
com, a global leader in online travel services, unveils the trends and insights that are influencing the travel behaviors of this pivotal generation in 2024. Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology for Effortless Travel Generation Z integrates technology into every aspect of their journeys—from relying on AI to design their travel plans before departure, to seeking technological conveniences in accommodations, to using digital means to preserve vacation memories post-trip. 68% of Indian Gen Z are quite at ease with enhancing their tech usage to craft memorable travel experiences.
68% would rely on AI to suggest destinations that are hidden gems rather than typical tourist spots. 73% would utilize an AI-driven trip planner to organize their travel schedules. 76% of Gen Z travelers seek out tech features and services such as AI integration or robotic assistance in their accommodations.
35% revisit their travel photos to relive the vacation vibes. Navigating Solo and Group Travel Dynamics Indian Gen Z values solo travel, with about two-thirds (65%) having traveled alone in the past six months and 85% planning solo trips in the following year. However, they also enjoy traveling with family or friends and often turn to these groups for travel recommendations and inspiration, which they also gather from social media.
69% of Gen Z are likely to travel with family members, and 61% with their parents. 77% were motivated by their social media networks to travel in 2023. Half of the Indian Gen Z gather travel advice from friends and family.
Cost-Conscious Yet Aspiring for Unique Experiences For Gen Z, travel is synonymous with life, but they don’t just seek adventures; they aim for cost-effective trips. These travelers favor traveling during the off-season and enjoy distinctive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In 2024, 62% of Indian Gen Z plan to embark on short domestic journeys (1-4 nights).
51% consider good value an essential factor when choosing destinations. 71% prefer traveling off-peak to economize. 73% utilize loyalty discounts to maximize savings.
Looking ahead to 2024, 72% of Gen Z aim to indulge in unique destination activities such as skydiving or hot air ballooning. Prioritizing Comfort and Familiarity in Accommodation Choices Indian Gen Z tends to return to accommodations they liked previously, with nearly 70% revisiting places they enjoyed, and 66% favoring hotels known for reliability. This generation appreciates straightforward and convenient travel booking processes that allow for simultaneous multiple bookings.
37% of Indian Gen Z typically book their attractions and activities alongside their accommodations. 63% prefer booking their flights before securing their accommodations. When it comes to ticketed events, 39% of Gen Z book these prior to their accommodations.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “With 65% of India’s population under the age of 35 years, it is crucial to understand the travel sentiment of the Gen Z travellers as they redefine the way we experience the world. Their eagerness for unique and immersive experiences and tech prowess while prioritising value for money is driving the demand for innovative technology-based travel solutions and experiential travel.
At Booking.com, we are committed to making it easier for all travellers including Gen Z to explore the world in the palm of their hand by providing flights, rental cars, attractions and of course unique places to stay all on one platform.”.
