Small voices, big choices: Generation Alpha takes the lead in family travel planning

In a significant shift, Australia’s youngest generation is now leading the charge in family travel planning with their distinct preferences shaping the future of the travel industry.

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals how Generation Alpha and Generation Z are reshaping travel, and prioritising experiences that reflect their personal interests and cultural pride.

“The growing influence of Generation Alpha on family travel signals a transformative shift in the travel industry – one that Hilton is excited to embrace,” said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

“As these trends accelerate, we recognise the importance of adapting to evolving preferences. Hilton is set to exceed 1000 hotels in APAC by 2025, and we’re focused on creating new experiences to capture the imagination of this emerging generation and their families.

The latest edition of AccomNews is out now. Read it HERE

Next-Gen navigators: How young travellers are steering family travel

In Asia Pacific, family travel is increasingly guided by the preferences of Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In Australia, 71 percent of young travellers actively contribute to their family’s vacation planning. Moreover, 62 percent of Australian parents choose vacation destinations based on their children’s interests.

While these young travellers’ input is strong in picking activities, destinations and dining options, logistical decisions – such as accommodation (31%), transportation (20%), trip duration (12%) and budgeting (10%) – are still primarily managed by parents. This growing involvement highlights the evolving dynamic of family travel, with younger generations taking the lead in creating memorable experiences, while still leaning on their families for practical planning.

Cultural pride: Australian families turning travel into growth experiences

For Gen Alpha and Gen Z in Australia, travel is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. A strong connection to cultural heritage drives these young travelers, with 62% taking pride in Australia’s global cultural influence and 73% eager to explore their roots through travel.

Australian families also use travel as a way to connect with their cultural identities, with more than half (55%) of parents choosing destinations that reflect their heritage, traditions, and values.

Beyond cultural exploration, 56% of young travellers in Australia view travel as a key to enhancing their education and personal development. Australian parents agree, with 56% selecting culturally significant destinations to support their children’s learning and growth.

From sports to music: The key travel trends for Gen Alpha and Gen Z in 2025

For Australia’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z travellers, trips centered around entertainment, sports, adventure, and meaningful connections with loved ones are at the top of their agenda.

Sports events like the FIFA Club World Cup and NRL Grand Final are the hottest tickets in 2025, with 35% of young travellers in Australia planning their trips around these events. This growing interest in sports tourism is also reflected in Hilton’s own data. From 2019 to 2024, Hilton Worldwide Sport Sales revenue tripled in volume, with 80% of this growth driven by youth or amateur sports. Following closely for Australia’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z travellers are nature events and camps, such as cherry blossom festivals and ski trips (30%). Music concerts and festivals (28%) – particularly those of international artistes like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Childish Gambino, also emerged as key travel draws for this generation.

Young and on the move: Australia’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z embrace annual travel

Gen Alpha and Gen Z across Asia Pacific are avid travellers, with 92% taking at least one trip in the past year. In Australia, this enthusiasm is even more pronounced, with young travellers averaging two trips annually, and 84% travelling at least once.

This passion for travel is evident in their future plans, with more than eight in 10 (83%) Gen Alpha and Gen Z in Australia likely to travel in the next year. Additionally, 75% take pride in their ability to explore new destinations. These findings highlight the strong and growing demand for travel among younger generations.

Digital Nomads: The role of technology in Gen Alpha and Gen Z travel

In today’s digital age, technology is central to the travel experience for Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In Australia, parents and children stay online throughout their trips, spending up to four hours a day on their devices. Gen Z, in particular, spends more time online, averaging three hours daily, compared to Gen Alpha’s two hours.

Smartphones (59%), digital tablets (57%), gaming systems (27%) and music players (25%) are travel essentials for these young adventurers, primarily being used to stream videos (63%), play games (60%), listen to podcasts and music (47%), and share their experiences on social media (47%). Additionally, two in five (41%) rely on their gadgets to stay in touch with loved ones via messaging apps.

These trends are consistent with Hilton’s team member survey findings, showing that access to technology is ranked as the top amenity for Gen Alpha travelers and their families, with entertainment and child-friendly activities also high on the list.

Domestic vs. global travel: The travel preferences of Australia’s young explorers

Gen Alpha and Gen Z travellers in Australia are excited about exploring both local and international destinations. While they eagerly seek out Australia’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage, they also show a growing enthusiasm for global adventures.

This emerging generation is increasingly interested in traveling beyond Asia to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, with Japan, New Zealand, America and Hawaii emerging as top destinations.

 “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their values,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

“This shift is not just about the destinations they choose, but how they interact with and experience the world. At Hilton, we’re focused on aligning our strategy to meet these expectations, offering brands and experiences that inspire and enhance their journeys.”

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report: Key insights for 2025 and beyond

These insights were commissioned as part of research for Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, dubbed the ‘Year of the Travel Maximizer’, revealing how travellers are seeking to blend relaxation with impactful adventures. As the post-pandemic travel boom stabilizes, Hilton’s comprehensive survey of over 13,000 global travelers across 13 countries, insights from more than 4,100 Hilton Team Members, and in-depth interviews with Hilton travel experts, highlights several additional trends:

• Slow Travel Gains Popularity: With fast-paced lives, travellers are embracing “Slow Travel” to deeply immerse themselves in local cultures. One in four global travellers seeks cultural learning experiences, and 65% of those that travel with children (55% in Australia) often explore their family’s heritage through travel.
• Adventure-Seeking “Go Getaways” Take on Sleep Retreats: While nearly 7 in 10 global travellers (62% in Australia) enjoy being active during their travels, with 20% planning outdoor adventures in 2025, there is also a growing trend toward relaxation and rejuvenation. In fact, 1 in 5 global travellers (14% in Australasia) embrace the art of “hurkle-durkling” – a Scottish phrase for lying in – during their vacations. Additionally, more than a quarter of travelers are expected to book a spa or wellness treatment specifically aimed at enhancing their sleep quality.
• Dining Decisions Led by Young Palates: Globally, 63% of parents (56% in Australasia) let their children pick restaurants while traveling, reflecting Gen Alpha’s evolving taste preferences from pizza to sashimi.
• Foodie Adventures and Sports Tourism Thrives: Nearly 1 in 5 of global travellers are on the hunt for culinary experiences, with 50% (37% in Australasia) booking restaurant reservations before their flights.

Discover what type of traveller you are with Hilton’s Generation Alpha Personality Test. Read Hilton’s full report HERE

The latest edition of AccomNews is out now. Read it HERE