China Gen Z’s Travel Preferences: 2026
Gen Z may not currently be the biggest spenders in travel and tourism, but they play an outsized role in shaping what destinations offer, talk about and develop next.
Gen Z may not currently be the biggest spenders in travel and tourism, but they play an outsized role in shaping what destinations offer, talk about and develop next.
Gen Z may not currently be the biggest spenders in travel and tourism, but they play an outsized role in shaping what destinations offer, talk about and develop next. For them, travel is a way into local life, a chance to reset, a way to capture personal stories and a space for building genuine connection. Destinations both near and far will win Gen Z’s attention by translating these needs into focused narratives, product ideas and service touchpoints.
Tina Cheng, Research Analyst
For the purposes of this Report, travel refers to journeys primarily undertaken for reasons such as relaxation, new experiences, pursuing personal interests, social connection or emotional regulation, among others. It excludes travel undertaken primarily for specific purposes such as education, business or official duties.
Gen Z broadly refers to people born after 1995. In this Report, Post-1995s refers specifically to those born between 1995 and 1999, while Post-2000s refers to those born between 2000 and 2009. Consumer data in this Report focuses on adults aged 18-30. The Post-2000s sample primarily covers those aged 18-26, while the Post-1995s sample primarily covers those aged 27-30.