Hilton Garden Inn Dubai, Mall Avenue, Kids Check-in, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rising Traveler Types

Gen Alpha: Next Generation of Travelers

Gen Alpha—comprising of kids 14 and younger—is growing up faster and more hyperconnected than ever. This curious, future‑focused, and tech‑savvy group is influencing their Millennial and Gen Z parents’ travel decisions, from destinations to dining and activities.

Kid-Centric Choices

70% of global respondents who travel with their children pick the vacation destination based on kids’ needs and interests.

A separate room for a parent and a child at bedtime, for instance, is a travel game changer. Since the introduction of Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton in 2021, this booking technology has been a hit with parents. From August 2023 to August 2024, travelers confirmed 1.4 million connecting rooms, with bookings increasing year-over-year by nearly 6%.

Conrad Tianjin Kiki Dino Themed Kids Room
Conrad Tianjin
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, China, Family Breakfast
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu

Dining Decisions

When it comes to restaurant choices, 63% of parents always or often let their kids pick where they dine while traveling. Balanced kids' menus are key, catering to Gen Alpha's advanced palate and love for global flavors. Expect more options, like the ability to choose pizza or sashimi, on kids' menus.

Youth Programming

56% of families will choose hotels based on their kids’ club or youth programming. And, globally, Hilton saw an increase in search terms for kids' clubs and kid friendly all-inclusive resorts year over year, with peak searches in October and January. Hilton properties have responded by offering complimentary kids’ club access and activities across all of their all-inclusive resorts.

Kids Programming, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort Kids Club, Learning Activity
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, bunk beds, kids playing, hotel, arts and crafts, kids table

Just Ask Our Hotels

According to an internal Hilton survey, the top two hotel offerings for Gen Alpha travelers and their families are 1) access to technology and 2) entertainment and activities for children.

Adult Time, Skyline, drinks with the ladies, cocktail dress, outdoor couch, city view
Canopy by Hilton London City

Adult Time

54% of parents carve out “adult time” during family getaways, making resorts and all-inclusive stays ideal for balancing family fun and personal relaxation.

70%

of global respondents who travel with their children pick the vacation destination based on kids’ needs and interests.

63%

When it comes to restaurant choices, 63% of parents always or often let their kids pick where they dine while traveling.

56%

of families will choose hotels based on their kids’ club or youth programming.