Recently, Marriott International revealed the travel trends that will set the course for 2025, from which interesting data was obtained on the way millennials travel, demonstrating how tourism is constantly changing to adapt to the demands of a more connected and environmentally conscious traveler.
Travel: A Priority in Today's Lifestyle
54.5% of participants between 18 and 24 years old who participated in this study consider traveling to be a crucial part of their lives, so they are willing to give up everyday comforts to prioritize these experiences. In addition, the results reveal that 92.4% of young people are saving for their next trip.
Centennials travel with a different mindset. For many, the choice of destination is secondary; 55% have not yet decided, but it is important to note that 78.1% of respondents opt for local tourism. For them, the important thing is the possibility of exploring, as long as the place is safe and they have enough time to enjoy it. Likewise, planning is essential; in the region, local trips are organized 1 to 2 months in advance, while international trips require between 2 and 5 months of preparation. Despite the meticulousness in the organization, the average time dedicated to enjoying the trip is only one week.
Shared experiences are one of their priorities. 65.6% plan family trips and 47.3% opt for getaways with their partner. On the other hand, there is an increase in the preference for solo trips, as 37.1% find it attractive due to the freedom, flexibility and opportunity to meet new people.
More and more travelers are looking for all-inclusive hotels, and this generation is no exception. For millennials, a stay at one of these properties is based primarily on the culinary offering, facilities, and rates. According to the survey results, 47.8% of participants would choose an all-inclusive hotel for its gastronomic experiences, while 37.5% value the peace of mind of avoiding unexpected events during their stay.
Both sustainability and health play a key role in travel planning, with a growing emphasis on responsible practices. More than 52% of participants prioritize ecotourism and sustainability, reflecting a shift toward more conscious tourism. Meanwhile, 45.1% consider the availability of health services and sanitary protocols at destinations to be key. This balance reflects a responsible perspective on the dynamics of travel.
Social Media: The New Travel Guide
For Generation Z, the use of technology is essential. Social media has had a great impact, as they share their journeys and what to see at each destination through different channels. The results show that Instagram is the favorite social network for planning consultation with 79.5%, followed by TikTok with 60.7% and YouTube with 59.4%. Similarly, the use of applications is essential to reduce organization time, as 33% expressed their preference to plan their vacations through a travel agency or digital platform.
One example of this is Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's travel program that combines the passion of traveling with technology and the ease of access from a mobile app anywhere. Through this program, members can redeem points from hotel nights and purchases with participating cards for room upgrades, digital keys, early check-in and exclusive experiences that can be purchased from a mobile device.
Generation Z has revolutionized the way we travel and it is essential that the tourism industry stays at the forefront to meet these needs. With this study and new proposals in the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International, the hotel chain with the largest presence in the region, reiterates its commitment to travelers to offer unforgettable moments.
Fuente: Marriott International.