Decoding Gen Z travellers
Recent research reveals demographic’s travel motivations and ambitions
TRAVEL is high on the radar of Gen Z, so much so that it tops the list of what they plan to spend their money on over the next five years, considered more important than saving for a deposit to buy their first home or property.
Research by Booking.com found that nearly seven in 10 of Gen Z have already planned their travel bucket list, however, their wanderlust must consider environmental impact, with more than six in 10 revealing they would contemplate avoiding a destination if they knew it was affected by over-tourism.
River of Five Colors, Colombia
Located in the Sierra de La Macarena National Park is Mother Nature’s masterpiece, the River of Five Colors (known to locals as Caño Cristales).
Appealing to almost half of Gen Z travellers who want to visit a natural wonder, this beauty of biodiversity is 100km of waterfalls, streams and rivers that burst with colour from June to November.
This unique natural wonder is caused by a biological phenomenon of a rare and endemic plant called the macarenia clavigera that lines the riverbed. For most of the year, the river is a hue of deep green but come the rainy season, the river transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours.
Where to stay: Nestled deep in the jungle is La Manigua Lodge, located in La Macarena, a small ranching community. This tranquil lodge stay provides an authentic wilderness experience surrounded by natural beauty. Relax in your stilted treehouse or observe the tropical flora and fauna above and below you on the suspended nets from your private treehouse. La Manigua Lodge is perfect for travellers wishing to see the River of Five Colors as it’s located a short boat ride away.
Jatiluwih, Indonesia
Almost half (44 per cent) of Gen Z travellers value giving back to the local community when they travel, by volunteering their time. A way to achieve this is through sustainable tourism startup I Like Local, which was recently awarded a grant from the 2019 Booking.com Booster Program’s €2 million fund.
The company aims to connect travellers with locals to discover the real world and to help make an impact to the local community, through hand-picked and off-thebeaten track travel experiences. Their top-rated local experience is a Balinese cooking class in the village of Jatiluwih.
Where to stay: A short drive from the scenic rice terraces of Jatiluwih is the peaceful retreat of Sang Giri Mountain Glamping Camp. Sang Giri provides guests with a luxury tent accommodation and features a restaurant, outdoor hot tub, yoga platform and panoramic views of the mountain and jungle.
Guests looking to explore the area can take advantage of the complimentary use of a map of the surrounding area, pocket binoculars, an umbrella and torch light. Choquequirao Archaeological Park, Peru
More than one in five (21 per cent) of Gen Z would love to embark on a hiking trip and more than half (52 per cent) are interested in trekking to an extreme location.
However, Gen Z travellers are increasingly aware of the damaging effects of over-tourism and 63 per cent would visit a lesser known destination if it meant having less of an environmental impact.
The Choquequirao Archaeological Park is a great alternative to world-famous Machu Picchu and not only for environmental reasons, it’s three times the size. Gen Z will also be pleased to know that Choquequirao only draws about 20 visitors per day, ensuring the ruins are undamaged and remain quiet.
Where to stay: CasaNostra Choquequirao is a cosy guest house located in Cachora, which is the nearest town to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. Breathe in the crisp mountain air from your balcony and after a strenuous trek, savour tasty national and international dishes served at the onsite restaurant.