Who’s the key travel decision-maker in Aussie families? A surprising 71 per cent of Gen Z and Alpha are taking the lead in family travel plans with experiences at the top of their lists, according to the new Hilton 2025 Trends Report.
Australia’s Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and Alpha (aged 14 and under) are also avid travellers, averaging two trips annually with 84 per cent travelling at least once. More than eight out of 10 young Aussies (83%) are also likely to travel in 2025.
Representing 31 per cent of the Australian population, this emerging demographic is a key opportunity for advisors to engage with for future family travel.
Top holiday destinations for Aussie families include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji and the US.
Kids choose, parents plan & pay for family travel
The survey found experiences that reflect young Aussies’ interests, such as music concerts, sporting events and outdoor activities, or cultural influences are reshaping family travel.
Almost two in three (62%) Aussie parents choose holiday destinations based on their offspring’s interests.
However, young travellers’ input is confined to picking activities, destinations and dining options with logistical decisions for family travel, such as accommodation (31%), transportation (20%), trip duration (12%) and budgeting (10%), still primarily managed by parents.
For Australia’s Gen Z and Alpha travellers, trips centred around entertainment, sports, adventure and meaningful connections with loved ones are at the top of their agenda.
Sporting events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup and NRL Grand Final, are the hottest tickets in 2025 with 35 per cent of young Aussies planning their trips around these events.
Following closely are nature events and camps, such as cherry blossom festivals and ski trips (30%). Music concerts and festivals (28%) – particularly those of international artists – also emerged as key travel draws for this generation.
A strong connection to cultural heritage also drives young Aussie travellers with 62 per cent taking pride in Australia’s global cultural influence and 73 per cent eager to explore their roots through travel.
Australian families also use travel to connect with their cultural identities with more than half (55%) of parents choosing destinations that reflect their heritage, traditions and values.
Read the full report here.
