A striking 93% of Generation Alpha and Generation Z in India actively shape family travel plans, now positioning them as key decision-makers in the travel process.
In a significant shift, India’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 prioritizing experiences that reflect their personal interests and cultural pride.
In Asia Pacific, family travel is increasingly guided by the preferences of Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In India, 93% of young travelers actively contribute to their family’s vacation planning. Moreover, 76% of Indian parents (compared to 70% globally) choose vacation destinations based on their children’s interests.
While these young travelers’ input is strong in picking activities and destinations, logistical decisions – such as transportation (44%), dining (40%), accommodation (32%), budgeting (28%), and trip duration (26%) – 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.
Ben George, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “As these trends accelerate, we recognize the importance of adapting to evolving preferences. Hilton is set to exceed 1,000 hotels in APAC by 2025, and we’re focused on creating new experiences to capture the imagination of this emerging generation and their families.”
For Gen Alpha and Gen Z in India, travel is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. A strong connection to cultural heritage drives these young travelers, with 91% taking pride in India’s global cultural influence and 88% eager to explore their roots through travel.
Indian families use travel as a way to connect with their cultural identities. Notably, 79% of parents – above the global average of 65% – choose destinations that reflect their heritage, traditions, and values.
Beyond cultural exploration, 84% of young travelers in India view travel as a key to enhancing their education and personal development. Indian parents agree, with 72% (versus 63% globally) selecting culturally significant destinations to support their children’s learning and growth.
For India’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z travelers, 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 Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, are the hottest tickets in 2025, with 47% of young travelers in India planning their trips around these events.
Following closely for India’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z travelers are music concerts and festivals (38%) – particularly K-pop concerts. Nature events and camps, such as cherry blossom festivals and ski trips (32%), also emerged as key travel draws for this generation. The Gen Alpha and Gen Z across Asia Pacific are avid travelers, with 92% taking at least one trip in the past year. In India, this enthusiasm is even more pronounced, with young travelers averaging two to three trips annually, and 94% traveling at least once.
This passion for travel is evident in their future plans, with nine in 10 (90%) Gen Alpha and Gen Z in India likely to travel in the next year. Additionally, 87% take pride in their ability to explore new destinations. These findings highlight the strong and growing demand for travel among younger generations.
In today’s digital age, technology is central to the travel experience for Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In India, 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. Talking about, smartphones (67%), smartwatches (55%), and music players (46%) are travel essentials for these young adventurers, primarily being used to share their experiences on social media (67%), stream videos (60%) and listen to music (58%). Additionally, over half (54%) 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.
This emerging generation is increasingly interested in traveling beyond Asia to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, while Gen Y still gravitates towards familiar Asian destinations for convenience and comfort.
The top holiday destinations for families in India reveal distinct preferences across generations. For Gen Alpha and Gen Z, India ranks as the most favored destination at 34%, followed by Singapore at 28% and America at 22%. In contrast, Millennials (Gen Y) also favor India at 28%, with Japan taking the lead at 29%. Other popular destinations among Millennials include Singapore at 25%, the Maldives at 21%, and Malaysia and Australia, both at 17%. This highlights a blend of local and international travel preferences among different age groups in India.
“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.
He further added, “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.”
These insights were commissioned as part of research for Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, dubbed the ‘Year of the Travel Maximizer’, revealing how travelers 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 highlight several trends. Travelers are increasingly embracing “Slow Travel” to immerse themselves in local cultures, with one in four seeking cultural learning experiences.
Notably, 65% of those traveling with children often explore their family’s heritage through travel. Additionally, while nearly 7 in 10 global travelers enjoy being active, there is a growing trend toward relaxation and rejuvenation, with 20% planning outdoor adventures in 2025.
One in five global travelers embrace the art of “hurkle-durkling,” a Scottish phrase for lying in, during vacations, and more than a quarter are expected to book spa or wellness treatments to enhance sleep quality. Dining decisions are also shifting, as 63% of parents globally, and 75% in India, let their children choose restaurants, reflecting Gen Alpha’s evolving taste preferences.
