Klook Finds 88% of Millennials and Gen Z Keeping Travel Spending Strong in 2026: Asia Pacific Leads the Way

Klook Finds 88% of Millennials and Gen Z Keeping Travel Spending Strong in 2026: Asia Pacific Leads the Way

Klook Finds 88% of Millennials and Gen Z Keeping Travel Spending Strong in 2026: Asia Pacific Leads the Way

Younger generations are still making travel plans despite the unstable economy. New data from Klook’s Travel Pulse for 2026 forecasts that Millennials and Gen Z are expected to spend more on travel than any other generation. They are likely to spend on both domestic and international travel. This shows that younger generations have an increasing influence on the global travel market.

Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026: Strong Travel Spending and Global Mobility

The findings from Klook’s annual Travel Pulse study show a resilient desire to travel despite financial pressures. Over 88% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers worldwide are planning to either maintain or increase their travel budgets in 2026. This remarkable figure highlights the ongoing commitment of younger travelers to explore new destinations, engage in unique experiences, and continue their adventures without major cutbacks.

The research, which surveyed over 11,000 consumers across key markets including Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the United States, indicates that the appetite for travel remains strong among younger generations. Asia Pacific travelers, in particular, exhibit a remarkable 50% higher intent to increase their travel spending compared to travelers in Europe and the US, positioning APAC as the growth engine for global travel.

International Travel Remains a Priority for Younger Generations

An exciting trend in the survey is the high percentage of travelers intending to take international trips. Nine out of ten global travelers in Klook’s study are planning to travel internationally in 2026, confirming that the desire for international exploration remains a top priority for Millennials and Gen Z. Among these travelers, 61% expect to travel internationally in the first half of 2026, a significant rise from 50% in the same period the previous year. This early boost in travel intent suggests that younger travelers are eager to resume or expand their international journeys, particularly as restrictions and concerns related to the pandemic continue to ease globally.

The Shift Towards Experience-First Travel

Klook’s report also highlights a significant shift in how Millennials and Gen Z are prioritizing their travel spending. In the face of rising costs, these generations are increasingly opting to cut back on material goods and shopping, rather than sacrificing experiences and activities. This trend is especially evident in APAC, where travelers are nearly twice as likely to increase their spending on experiences compared to their counterparts in Europe and the US.

Millennials and Gen Z are seeking authentic, immersive experiences, whether it’s attending cultural events, exploring new destinations, or participating in adventure activities. Klook’s findings point to a growing preference for experiences—from cultural immersion to adventure tours, making them less inclined to reduce spending on activities despite the rising costs of everyday goods.

This experience-first mindset reflects a deep shift in the travel market, with younger generations placing a premium on meaningful activities that connect them with local culture, history, and nature. Rather than splurging on luxury goods or material purchases, Millennials and Gen Z are choosing to invest in memories that offer long-lasting value.

APAC Leads in Experience-Led Travel

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region stands out in the report as the leading driver of experience-led travel. Travelers in APAC are far more likely than those in Europe or the US to increase spending on experiences, regardless of category. Whether it’s food tours, adventure activities, or cultural explorations, travelers in APAC are willing to pay more for these enriching experiences.

This trend positions APAC as a key region for the global tourism industry’s future, with its travelers driving the demand for unique, local experiences that go beyond the traditional tourist attractions. As the demand for authentic travel experiences continues to grow, the global travel market will likely see more focus on catering to these experiential needs, with companies adjusting their offerings to appeal to the younger generations’ evolving preferences.

Millennials and Gen Z Driving the Future of Travel

Klook’s Travel Pulse serves as a key insight into how Millennials and Gen Z are shaping the future of travel. These two generations, who make up the majority of Klook’s customer base, are not only the largest group of travelers but also the most influential. Their growing demand for experiences over material goods and their strong desire to travel internationally are trends that will continue to drive change in the global travel industry.

The fourth edition of Klook’s annual survey includes feedback from 11,000 consumers in 16 countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, and USA. The results show clear patterns of behavior that are already influencing travel strategies worldwide.

The Impact of Experience-First Travel on the Travel Market

The shift toward prioritizing experiences is reshaping the global travel market. Younger generations are driving the demand for authentic, immersive travel opportunities, which is pushing airlines, travel agencies, and tourism boards to adjust their marketing strategies and offerings.

As travel spending continues to rise, particularly in APAC, destinations and service providers will need to rethink their strategies to meet the growing expectations of travelers. The trend toward experience-driven and culture-rich travel will dominate the future of tourism, ensuring that Millennials and Gen Z remain at the forefront of travel innovation and market growth.

Summary of Key Insights from Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026:

88% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers plan to either increase or maintain their travel budgets in 2026.

APAC travelers are 50% more likely than those in Europe and the US to increase their travel spending, making the region the global leader in travel growth.

Nine in 10 global travelers plan international trips in 2026, with 61% of them intending to travel in the first half of the year.

Travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences over material goods, with a strong shift toward spending on activities rather than shopping.

APAC leads the way in experience-led travel, with travelers willing to pay more for cultural, adventure, and authentic activities.

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