Gen Z is redefining the way we view frequent travelers. According to recent research by Morning Consult, despite their youth and comparatively low income, 52 percent of Gen Z adults took at least three leisure trips in the past year—outpacing higher-earning Gen Xers (41 percent) and Baby Boomers (35 percent). The rate is on par with Millennials.
And it’s not only the wealthier Gen Zs who are traveling. While earnings have typically separated travelers from non-travelers across other generations, Gen Zers with an income of at least $100,000 travel 1 percentage point more likely to be a frequent traveler when compared to the general population. (In other generations, this gap is much larger: 5 points for Millennials and 7 for Gen X and Baby Boomers.) This means that the youngest adult generation isn’t waiting until they have a certain amount of income or savings to see the world; they’re finding ways to fit it into their budgets now.
In addition, motivators like experiencing adventure, improving their mental health, seeking out cultural experiences, and checking off a bucket-list destination, among others, all rank higher in importance among Gen Z than the general population. They’re also more likely to visit an international destination in the next 12 months, compared to older generations.
Separately, TransUnion discovered that Gen Z and Millennials are much more likely to have a travel affiliated- or travel rewards credit card than other generations. This could potentially be an expression of these generations’ preference for experiences over goods. (The research also found out that 46 percent of Americans plan to travel more often this summer than last, while only 8 percent plan to cut back.)
To target Gen Z, or to learn how to build a better business plan in general, Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new event and competition series for travel advisors. Experts from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Carnival’s business development team will offer training to advisors on growing their business. Daymond John, entrepreneur, author and star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” will take part in a fireside chat to share his business expertise, as well. Advisors will have the chance to submit their business plan in Carnival’s competition to be named "Your Winning Plan’s" champion, inclusive of a monetary prize.
In other support for the industry, noting a strong resurgence in the travel advisor sales channel in the first half of 2023, ToursByLocals created a brand-new role to assist with trade sales: Partnership manager. Miami-based Leshea Beauchamp was hired into the newly created role within the marketing department; she will build relationships with the company’s existing agencies and reach out to those that ToursByLocals is not yet partnering with. She plans to attend multiple industry events in the second half of the year and into 2024.
New Hotels Worldwide
Slated to open by the end of 2023 is the 509-key Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, part of Hyatt Hotels’ Inclusive Collection. The adults-only all-inclusive resort will be located along a secluded strip of the Costa Mujeres shoreline, just 12 miles north of Cancun; guests can expect nine dining concepts, including six à la carte gourmet restaurants, a buffet, a café and a grill, as well as two oceanfront infinity pools. Preferred Club accommodations will offer swim-out suites, exclusive access to the Preferred Club Lounge, an oceanfront beach club and a jungle-inspired pool.
Also scheduled to debut later this year is the Arlo Williamsburg. Formerly The Williamsburg Hotel, the property was purchased by Quadrum Global, which announced it will operate under the independent Arlo Hotels portfolio starting in September 2023. There are 147 guestrooms, a Rooftop Pool & Lounge offering views of the Manhattan skyline, in addition to the Water Tower Bar, an iconic fixture of the Brooklyn skyline. Here, guests can mingle on velvet chairs and sofas while enjoying views of Brooklyn, the East River and Manhattan.
In Thailand, Meliá Hotels International will open the doors of the country’s first INNSiDE hotel this July. Located in Bangkok’s lively On Nut neighborhood, the 208-room INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit will have a 31st-floor all-day dining restaurant, tapas bar on the 33rd floor, and a two-story infinity pool and rooftop pool bar on the 34th floor. There are eight room categories offering complimentary minibar items, organic bathroom amenities and natural cork yoga mats, as well as 50-inch TVs, Wi-Fi and work desks with USB chargers.
Already opened is the Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort, the company’s first hotel in Tunisia. Located six miles from downtown Monastir and eight miles from Sousse, Skanes is a popular resort destination on Tunisia’s coastline. The resort offers 346 rooms and suites with either sea or pool views. There are seven F&B venues, as well as a 15-treatment room spa, which also has a hammam, sauna, jet showers, experience showers and heated rooms. Guests can avail themselves of four outdoor pools and one heated indoor pool, besides tennis, water sports and kids and teens club offerings.
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