According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, travelers will likely reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024, with a majority across generations indicating their No. 1 reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge, with more emphasis on sleep than ever before. Those insights and more were unveiled today with the launch of Hilton’s third-annual trends report: “What Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Baby Boomers Tell Us About Travel in the Year Ahead.” In addition to defining the preferences and passions of the 2024 traveler, the report takes a deeper look at how each generation views travel—from the digital-native Gen Zer to the experienced Baby Boomer.
Following a global survey of more than 10,000 travelers from nine countries, video diaries with 60 U.S. travelers and interviews with dozens of Hilton travel insiders, the report uncovers four themes expected to be the catalysts of change and innovation for travel in 2024 and beyond.
Travelers Will Invest in Their Sleep
Personal wellness matters to travelers, and even more specifically, there will be an increased focus on a good night’s sleep while away from home—a trend that has accelerated after the challenges of the last few years heightened travelers’ desire for rest and relaxation. In 2024, travelers will look to engage with products and brands aligned with this better-for-you imperative. Gen Zers are the most intentional about winding down, making small choices throughout the day that can make a big impact on their sleep. In fact, 21 percent regulate their workout routine, and 25 percent avoid alcohol before bedtime.
Travelers Will Value Connectivity and Personalization
In 2024, travelers will seek out consistent and seamless experiences that are personalized to their needs, from booking to on-property experiences. Eighty percent of global travelers surveyed said it’s important to be able to book their trip entirely online, with 86 percent of Millennials and 83 percent of Gen Zers leading the charge—and 76 percent of global travelers said they appreciate travel apps that reduce the friction and stress of travel.
Culture and Experiences Will Drive Leisure Travel Decisions
Dining, culture and connections are inspiring leisure travel decisions as people increasingly prioritize the purchase of experiences over things. In fact, as the world holds onto their renewed sense of wanderlust following the pandemic, 64 percent of global travelers say they aim to reduce other areas of their personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024.
As they budget for 2024, travelers’ top focus is on culinary experiences. Second to culinary experiences, 47 percent of travelers will prioritize exploration and adventure, with Gen Zers and Millennials (52 percent for both) carving out more budget for these types of experiences than the other generations.
Business Travel Trends Will Redefine Expectations
Ways of work have transformed significantly following the pandemic—including shifts in when, where and how people conduct business. As a result, business trends have emerged and strengthened, including blended leisure and business travel, increased length of stays and the rising popularity of secondary markets for meetings and events. In fact, more than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers say they plan to extend a business trip to enjoy leisure time before or after their work obligations, and 24 percent of global business travelers plan to take a friend or family member with them on a business trip next year.