Gen Z travellers in the UAE are redefining what it means to explore the world, placing cultural connection, personal purpose, and digital empowerment at the heart of their journeys, says a new study. 

 

The new research from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts uncovers a decisive shift among the next generation toward experience-first, value-driven travel, shaped by social media and powered by technology. 

 

Nearly two-thirds (63%) prefer accommodation that reflects local culture, while 26% say platforms like Instagram and TikTok are their biggest travel influences. And as planning becomes increasingly self-directed, a striking 79% are already using or eager to use AI tools to help design their perfect getaway.

 

As the UAE continues to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, Wyndham is leading the way in understanding the evolving needs of travellers. With a strong and growing presence across the region, Wyndham commissioned the in-depth research to explore the preferences and priorities of young travellers in the UAE, one of the most dynamic markets for hospitality growth. From eco-conscious guests seeking sustainable stays, to digital nomads and business travellers in search of extended-stay comfort, to experience-driven explorers prioritising prime locations, Wyndham is committed to shaping travel experiences that reflect the values and lifestyles of all generations.  

 

“This generation isn’t just travelling, they’re curating journeys that reflect their values, their identity, and their aspirations,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Gen Z wants to connect with something bigger than themselves, to travel with purpose, but they also expect the flexibility and convenience to make it all happen on their own terms. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one they’ve mastered with the help of social media and AI. Wyndham hotels across the region offer authentic cultural experiences, placing guests in the heart of great locations, while delivering personalised, sustainable stays that combine essential quality, convenience, and flexibility they can count on. For Gen Z, travel isn’t just about where you go - it’s about how it makes you feel.

 

Key findings: what matters most to Gen Z travellers 

• Purpose-driven travel choices: The top motivation for travel is to unwind and disconnect (32%), followed by a desire to explore new cultures and seek out adventure. These behaviours reflect a shift away from passive or conventional high-end tourism and toward immersive, experience-first travel that contributes to personal growth. 

• Women are leading international travel: 54% of Gen Z women in the UAE travelled internationally in the last six months, compared to 34% of men. This trend reflects a growing sense of independence, mobility, and cultural engagement among young women in the region. Notably, more than half (51%) of female respondents said that safety and security risks are a key consideration when planning their travel, indicating that their choices are both adventurous and intentional. This reflects a generation that is confident in exploring, but conscious of the conditions that make them feel secure and supported while doing so. 

• Travel Is a priority, not a privilege: The data challenges outdated assumptions that travel is reserved for the affluent. Gen Z in the UAE are demonstrating that they’re willing to cut back on material consumption to make space for travel, prioritising experiences that offer personal meaning and cultural connection over short-term indulgence. Even non-working students and earners in the AED5,000–10,000 range reported international travel in the past six months. In fact, 41% of these respondents said they travelled abroad during this period, with another 25% combining domestic and international getaways. 

This is a generation that’s choosing to save, plan, and invest in moments that matter, favouring flexible, culturally authentic travel over status-driven spending. They seek out loyalty programmes that deliver real value and make decisions based on connection, not consumption.

• Staying local - culturally speaking: 63% of Gen Z respondents in the UAE say they prefer accommodation that reflects the local culture, through design, food, or curated in-destination experiences. For this generation, travel is as much about understanding a place as it is about visiting it. They gravitate toward brands that feel rooted in the local community and hotels that reflect the identity of their surroundings. 

• Sustainability and conscious travel: The research also indicates that Gen Z in the UAE are thinking beyond personal fulfilment. Environmental awareness is increasingly shaping their travel choices, with a growing preference for destinations and properties that align with their values. More than half (55%) of Gen Z respondents say they actively choose sustainable transport options, and over a third (36%) seek out eco-friendly hotels. 

 

Wyndham: built for every generation of travel

With 25 brands and over 9,300 hotels worldwide, including a rapidly expanding presence across the Middle East, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is built to meet the evolving needs of Gen Z travellers. As a global hotel leader, Wyndham’s purpose is to make travel possible for all and offers the perfect balance of value, quality, and experience, enabling young travellers to explore more with ease, it said. -TradeArabia News Service