MCLEAN, Virginia—According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, travelers say they will reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024, with a majority across generations indicating their top 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 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 of the 2024 traveler, the report takes a look at how each generation views travel—from the digital-native Gen Zer to the experienced Baby Boomer.
“In this new golden age of travel, travelers’ needs are changing, and we are always innovating to better serve our guests and be their first choice when they hit the road,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “Across generations, we’re seeing guests customize their stays with us, invest in quality sleep, pursue new cultural experiences, and stretch the boundaries of business travel. At Hilton, our world-class team members are leaning into these trends and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who stays with us.”
Following a global survey of more than 10,000 travelers from nine countries, video diaries with 60 U.S. travelers, and in-depth interviews with dozens of Hilton travel experts, 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 savoring 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 experiences that are hyper-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 its 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 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.
“Every generation is driving a vibrant mix of travel experiences and expectations for 2024,” said Jason Dorsey, president of The Center for Generational Kinetics and Hilton’s generational consultant for this year’s report. “One important finding within is the cross-generational priority for connectivity and personalization throughout the travel experience. This bodes well for fueling innovation in the travel industry and for travel leaders, like Hilton, that are creating new and unique experiences that attract all four generations of adult travelers.”
