A travel booking platform has released a list of the top 10 destinations it predicts Gen Z travellers will be most interested in this year. The list, by Germany company Omio, is based on a study of 100 cities in 40 countries, examined by applying the criteria, requirements, and interests that are particularly important to the young generation of travellers.
“Gen Z prefers travel destinations that promote diversity and equality, with acceptance for LGBTQI+ and gender equality,” reads the Omio report.
“They demand fast mobile connections, digital payment options, and environmentally friendly, affordable public transportation. To these young explorers, travelling is more than just sightseeing. The best travel destinations are places that cater to post-modern values, offer big events, but don’t cost an arm and a leg.”
For young foodies, culinary diversity, especially vegetarian and vegan options, is also essential, it says. Live concerts and esports events are much more popular than museums and monuments, with concerts by favourite artists or bands or unique gaming experiences ideal reasons for city trips for Gen Z.
The first city the report names is Seoul, South Korea, calling it the ultimate travel destination for Gen Z due in part to its high-speed internet, widespread mobile payment options and rich culinary diversity with at least 181 vegetarian or vegan top food spots.
“The city entices with K-Pop, affordable prices and a lively gaming scene,” the report reads. “[…] The city excels in innovation and zeitgeist, making it the best choice for the current desires of young travellers.”
Interestingly, another South Korean city also made the list: Busan. It’s the second largest in the country and is located on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula.
Following Seoul on the list is London, which the report says is the most popular spot in Europe for Gen Z travellers. It offers live concerts, trendy culinary hotspots, and some of the largest gaming events in the world, including EGX London and the London Games Festival. Also, mobile and contactless payment with smartphones are easy to use in England’s capital city.
Dubai also made the list, with the report calling it a TikTok favourite and the most popular city for Gen Z travellers among those in the United Arab Emirates. It had over 74 billion views on its tourism content on TikTok in total, while New York City had only 39 billion, and Paris 44 billion views.
The only two US cities on the list are Los Angeles and New York City. The report says LA’s popularity among Gen Z travellers is likely due to the fact it’s a gaming hub. It’s a top destination for esports fans with at least 18 major tournaments.
Ahead is the full list of where Gen Z is likely off to this year, whether you want to follow in their footsteps or avoid them at all costs.
#1 Seoul, South Korea
#2 London, England
#3 Los Angeles, US
#4 Paris, France
#5 Beijing, China
#6 Busan, South Korea
#7 Barcelona, Spain
#8 Singapore,
#9 Madrid, Spain
#10 New York City, US
The report also named the cities that Gen Z travellers will be least likely to visit this year. Those include:
#1 Cairo, Egypt
#2 Denpasar, Indonesia
#3 Doha, Qatar
#4 Gdansk, Poland
#5 Zurich, Switzerland
Related: Where to Go and Where to Avoid in Travel This Year
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